India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended 26 pivotal individuals allegedly part of a highly structured cybercrime syndicate engaged in fraudulent operations across multiple regions globally, as reported by Asian News International (ANI) on Monday.
The arrests were made following a multi-city operation by the CBI aimed at dismantling the organised network. Various electronic devices, records, and Rs5.85 million (Dh256,451) were confiscated from the arrested suspects. During the searches, the CBI also intercepted 170 individuals involved in ongoing online criminal activities from four call centers in Pune, Vishakhapatnam, and Hyderabad.
This operation has led to a significant disruption and dismantling of a major transnational technology-enabled crime network, according to a CBI press release. Based on intelligence about this organised cybercrime network, the International Operations Division of CBI conducted coordinated searches at 32 different locations across India.
According to the CBI, these cybercriminals target victims online, particularly in the USA, convincing them that their systems have been compromised. They make victims believe that unauthorized transactions have been made from their bank accounts, placing them under the scrutiny of law enforcement. The cybercriminals then persuade the victims to transfer their money to new bank accounts provided by them.
Investigations into the broader network and international leads are being conducted in close collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations of the USA, INTERPOL, and other foreign law enforcement agencies.
