The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested 26 key operatives of a highly organised cybercrime network targeting victims globally.
The premier agency, based on inputs by its international operations division, registered a case and subsequently carried out raids at 32 locations in different cities across the country, including Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Vishakhapatnam on September 26. During searches, CBI was able to intercept 170 people engaged in ongoing criminal activities across four call centres — M/s VC Informetrix Pvt Ltd at Regent in Pune, M/s VC Informetrix Pvt Ltd, Murli Nagar, Vishakhapatnam, M/s Viajex Solution, Hyderabad, and M/s Attiya Global Services, Vishakhapatnam.
So far, CBI has been able to arrest 26 key accused from Pune (10), Hyderabad (5), and Vishakhapatnam (11). With these arrests, the agency seized critical digital evidence and incriminating proof. A total of 951 items have been seized by the agency, including electronic devices, mobile phones, laptops, and financial information communication records. Additionally, Rs 58.45 lakh in cash, locker keys, and three luxury vehicles have also been recovered.
The modus operandi on the cybercrime network was simple. They would impersonate tech support services and claimed that victims’ systems were hacked. Then, they falsely reported identity theft and unauthorised transactions. After fabricating law-enforcement surveillance, they induced victims to transfer funds to new bank accounts or through international gift cards and cryptocurrency.
CBI continues to investigate the broader network internationally in close coordination with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) USA and other foreign law-enforcement agencies.
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