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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) successfully conducted a multi-city operation targeting a highly organized cybercrime network involved in fraudulent activities targeting victims globally. This operation has resulted in significant disruption and dismantling of a major transnational technology-enabled crime network, an official release said.
Based on inputs received on this organized cybercrime network, the International Operations Division of CBI registered a Case on September 24 under sections 61 and 318 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 and 66-D read with 75 of the Information Technology Act of 2000 as part of ongoing Operation Chakra-III. After launching an investigation, CBI swiftly conducted coordinated searches at 32 different places across Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Vishakhapatnam starting on the late evening of September 26. During searches, CBI was able to intercept 170 persons engaged in ongoing online criminal activities across four call centres in Pune, Vishakhapatnam and Hyderabad. CBI has so far placed under arrest 26 key accused persons, out of which 10 are from Pune 5 from Hyderabad and 11 from Visakhapatnam, while investigation and questioning on the role of other workers at these illegal call centers is ongoing. These operations have resulted in seizure of critical digital evidence and incriminating material. 951 items have been seized including electronic devices, mobile phones, laptops, financial information, communication records and incriminating material used by this cybercrime network for criminal activity and to defraud victims. Additionally, rupees 58.45 lakh in cash, locker keys and three luxury vehicles have been recovered. According to the officials, cyber criminals targeted in this operation were involved in a range of illicit activities, including impersonating tech support services and approaching victims, especially in USA in the guise that the victim's systems have been hacked. Victims were made to believe that their identities had been stolen and that a large number of unauthorized transactions were being made in their bank accounts. The victims were falsely made to believe that they were under surveillance of law enforcement agencies due to suspicious orders allegedly placed by them. The cybercriminals then induced victims to transfer their bank holdings into new bank accounts given by cybercriminals in the guise of safeguarding their finances. In some instances, the cyber criminals intimidated victims into transferring funds to them through international gift cards or cryptocurrency. Extensive wrongful losses were incurred by victims targeted by this criminal network, the official release said. Investigations into the broader network and on international leads are ongoing in close coordination with HSI (USA) and other foreign law enforcement agencies. As part of the larger ongoing Operation CHAKRA-III, the International Operations Division of CBI has been rapidly identifying and taking action on organized technology-enabled crime networks in close concert with INTERPOL and foreign law enforcement agencies. The operation, coordinated with law enforcement agencies across multiple countries, underscores CBI's commitment to combatting and dismantling organized technology-enabled crime networks. (ANI)
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