The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India has made significant strides in dismantling a transnational cybercrime network through its operation, Chakra-III. This operation, which spanned multiple phases and involved collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, resulted in the arrest of 26 individuals and the seizure of millions worth of cash, cryptocurrency, and gold bullions.
The operation, which was named “Chakra-III,” targeted a sophisticated crime ring that utilized technology to conduct financial fraud using virtual assets and bullion. Over the course of 11 months, evidence of illicit activities was uncovered, including the recovery of substantial cash, luxury vehicles, and gold bullion. This crackdown was part of a broader effort to combat cybercriminals targeting unsuspecting individuals, particularly in the U.S.
The initial breakthrough in the investigation came on September 14 when the CBI released details of an operation against a group led by a key suspect, Vishnu Rathi. This group had allegedly scammed a U.S. citizen into transferring nearly half a million dollars into cryptocurrency wallets under the guise of a tech support service. The victim, believing her bank account was compromised, had unwittingly transferred control to the criminals. This common tactic employed by cybercriminals preys on victims’ fears of compromised personal data and bank accounts.
Working in conjunction with the FBI, CBI investigators launched searches in Mumbai and Kolkata, resulting in the recovery of gold bars, cash, and digital devices containing crucial evidence. This marked the beginning of a larger strategy to dismantle the entire network.
As Operation Chakra-III progressed, additional raids were conducted on call centers across Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Visakhapatnam. These call centers served as central hubs for the network’s operations, with over 170 individuals engaged in various forms of online fraud, predominantly targeting U.S. citizens.
During these raids, electronic devices, cash, locker keys, and luxury vehicles were seized, leading to the arrest of 26 key operatives. These individuals face charges under India’s Information Technology Act of 2000 and the BNSS Act of 2023. The network employed tactics such as impersonating tech support personnel and inducing panic among victims by falsely claiming their bank accounts were compromised.
CBI’s Operation Chakra-III highlights the complexities involved in dismantling transnational cybercrime networks. The collaboration between Indian law enforcement, INTERPOL, and U.S. authorities has been instrumental in disrupting these operations. Further investigations are expected to unveil additional layers of the criminal network.
The ongoing probe aims to uncover how the cybercrime network laundered funds through cryptocurrencies and gold bullion. The anonymity associated with cryptocurrency transactions facilitated the quick movement of funds across borders, but international cooperation is poised to thwart these efforts.
Operation Chakra-III signifies a paradigm shift in India’s approach to cybercrime, emphasizing real-time intelligence sharing with global counterparts. The multi-city, multi-national strategy showcases that no cybercriminal network is beyond reach and underscores the importance of coordinated efforts in combating cybercrime.
With a spot in the Tier-1 category of the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024, India’s commitment to cybersecurity practices has been recognized internationally. This recent success may inspire other nations to adopt collaborative strategies in dismantling organized transnational cybercrime networks, further enhancing global cybersecurity efforts.