Operation Chakra-III: CBI raids in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam

Hyderabad: As a part of Operation Chakra-III, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted a multi-city operation including Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam of Telugu states. The CBI arrested 5 and 11 persons respectively. Overall the agency has arrested 26 individuals in connection with the case.

After launching an investigation, CBI conducted coordinated searches at 32 locations in Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad,and Visakhapatnam from the late evening of September 26, 2024. During searches, Central agency, intercepted 170 persons engaged in ongoing online criminal activities across four call centers – M/s V.C. Infrometrix Pvt. Ltd at Regent Plaza, Pune,M/s Viajex Solutions, Hyderabad, M/s V.C. Infrometrix Pvt. Ltd, Murli Nagar and M/s Atriya Global Services Pvt. Ltd, in Visakhapatnam.

In this operation targeting a highly organized cybercrime network involved in global fraudulent activities, authorities have significantly disrupted and dismantled a major transnational technology-enabled crime network.

CBI has arrested 26 key accused persons- 10 from Pune, 5 from Hyderabad, and 11 from Visakhapatnam. Investigationand questioning of other workers at these illegal call centers is ongoing.

Further, these operations have resulted in the seizure of critical digital evidence and incriminating material. 951 items were seized including electronic devices, mobile phones, laptops, financial information, communication records, and material used by the cyber crime network to defraud victims. Additionally, Rs 58.45 lakh in cash, locker keys, and three luxury vehicles were recovered.

The cyber criminals targeted in this operation were involved in various illicit activities, including impersonating tech support services and approaching victims, especially in the USA, claiming the victims’ systems were hacked.

What is the modus operandi ?

Explaining the modus operandi of the accused, CBI said, “Victims were made to believe their identities were stolen and unauthorized transactions were occurring in their bank accounts. They were falsely led to believe that they were under surveillance by law enforcement due to suspicious orders allegedly placed by them. The cyber criminals induced victims to transfer their bank holdings into new accounts provided by them to safeguard their finances. In some instances, they intimidated victims into transferring funds through international gift cards or cryptocurrency. Extensive wrongful losses were incurred by the targeted victims.”

Investigations into the broader network and international leads are ongoing in coordination with HSI (USA) and other foreign law enforcement agencies. As part of Operation Chakra- III, CBI’s International Operations Division has rapidly identified and acted on organized technology-enabled crime networks with INTERPOL and foreign law enforcement agencies.