Did CBI dismantle 35 global cybercrime hotspots in 9 states?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 2 (NationPress) The CBI apprehended a cyber fraudster and confiscated electronic devices during extensive raids at 35 locations throughout Delhi and nine other states as part of a multinational initiative dubbed CyStrike. This operation involved collaboration with law enforcement agencies from the US, UK, Kuwait, Ireland, and Singapore, according to an official statement released on Monday.
The operation, executed on January 30, targeted regions including Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Telangana, and West Bengal. It was aimed at dismantling international cyber-enabled financial crime networks run by the accused under alias identities, specifically targeting victims overseas, as stated by the CBI.
During the search operations in New Delhi, the CBI uncovered a cross-border financial crime network operated by the accused, which focused on defrauding victims in the US.
The key operative, Pfokrehrii Peter, was taken into custody at the scene, as per the statement.
A range of electronic devices, including laptops, mobile phones, and hard disks, containing compromising digital evidence related to the crimes were recovered and seized by the CBI.
Additionally, the Indian investigative agency dismantled another international cyber-enabled financial crime ring operated by the accused from New Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Karnataka. They operated under the domain https://eservicemoi-Kw.com, falsely advertising Kuwaiti e-Visas and job placements in reputable Kuwaiti companies to Indian nationals in exchange for money, as reported by the CBI.
The investigation led to the seizure of laptops, mobile phones, and computer hard disks containing fraudulent Kuwaiti e-Visas and job offers. Furthermore, a cash sum of Rs 60 lakh was recovered from one suspect during the search.
Furthermore, the CBI dismantled transnational cybercrime networks that targeted victims from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Singapore, defrauding them online.
The CBI identified and shut down the mule accounts that facilitated the transfer of illicit funds from victims abroad to the accused.
An official noted that Operation CyStrike, spearheaded by the CBI, aimed to combat organized technology-enabled crime networks in close collaboration with Interpol and foreign law enforcement bodies.
This initiative has led to substantial disruption and dismantling of major international cyber-enabled financial crime networks, the official added.