CBI Arrests 26 Cybercriminals in Multi-state Crackdown

New Delhi: In a multi-state crackdown on organised cybercrime, CBI has arrested 26 alleged cybercriminals involved in fraudulent activities targeting people globally, officials said on Monday.

action under operation Chakra-III started with raids at 32 different places across Pune, Hyderab, Ahmedab and Visakhapatnam late night last Thursday. central agency has seized Rs 58.45 lakh cash, locker keys and three luxury vehicles, y said.

Four call centres -- V.C. Inconformities Pvt. Ltd at Regent Plaza, Pune; V.C. Infrometrix Pvt. Ltd, Murli Nagar, Visakhapatnam; Viajex Solutions, Hyderab; and Atriya Global Services Pvt. Ltd, Visakhapatnam -- were among places raided by agency.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) intercepted 170 people engaged in live online criminal activities across four call centers, officials said.

" cybercriminals targeted in this operation were involved in a range of illicit activities, including impersonating... tech support services and approaching victims, especially in USA in guise that victim's systems have been hacked," a CBI spokesperson said in a statement.

He said victims were convinced by criminals that ir identities h been stolen and that a large number of unauthorised transactions were being me in ir bank accounts.

scammers told victims that y were under scanner of investigation agencies of ir respective countries, he ded.

" cybercriminals n induced victims to transfer ir bank holdings into new bank accounts given by cybercriminals in guise of safeguarding ir finances.

"In some instances, cybercriminals intimidated victims into transferring funds to m through international gift cards or crypto currency. Extensive wrongful losses were incurred by victims targeted by this criminal network," statement said.

So far, CBI has arrested 10 cybercriminals from Pune, five from Hyderab and 11 from Visakhapatnam. Furr investigation and questioning into role of or workers at se illegal call centers is ongoing, it said.

"se operations have resulted 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 cyber crime network for criminal activity and to defraud victims," spokesperson said.

This operation has resulted in significant disruption and dismantling of a major trans national technology enabled crime network, he said.