CBI Breaks Down Cybercrime Network Targeting Germans; Key Arrest Made in Siliguri
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Synopsis
On Feb 18, the CBI announced the dismantling of a cybercrime network that has been targeting German nationals since 2021, with the arrest of key suspect Rahul Shaw in Siliguri. This operation, named 'Operation Chakra-IV', involved international cooperation and uncovered significant evidence of financial crimes.
Key Takeaways
- CBI dismantled a cybercrime network targeting Germans.
- Key suspect Rahul Shaw was arrested in Siliguri.
- Operation was named 'Operation Chakra-IV'.
- Extensive evidence was recovered during searches.
- International cooperation was crucial to the operation.
New Delhi, Feb 18 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reported the dismantling of a highly sophisticated cybercrime network targeting German nationals since 2021, following the arrest of a significant suspect in Siliguri. This operation, dubbed 'Operation Chakra-IV', was conducted in collaboration with German authorities.
The federal agency apprehended Rahul Shaw in Siliguri, who is a principal suspect in this case, and subsequently presented him before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate-6 at the Rouse Avenue District Courts in New Delhi.
Searches at his residence led to the recovery of seven mobile phones, one laptop, and various incriminating documents related to the crime.
The International Operations Division of the CBI filed a case on February 12 against Shaw, Shubham Sharma, Rajeev Budhiraja, and other unidentified individuals under Section 120-B along with Sections 420, 467, 468, and 471 of the Indian Penal Code, as well as Section 66D of the Information Technology Act of 2000, police reported.
Between 2021 and 2022, the accused allegedly conspired to exploit German victims by unlawfully accessing their computer systems and bank accounts under the guise of providing tech support services.
They misled these victims into believing their bank accounts had been compromised, coercing them into transferring Euro 646,032 to cryptocurrency wallets they controlled.
After filing the case, the CBI conducted extensive searches across multiple locations associated with the suspects, uncovering substantial evidence.
Searches carried out by the CBI at six different locations in Delhi, Kolkata, and Siliguri from February 14 to February 17 revealed that this international cybercrime network was directing the proceeds through virtual assets.
The CBI also discovered an illicit Call Centre operated by Shaw and his accomplices at Webel IT Park, Matigara, Darjeeling, West Bengal, which was subsequently dismantled.
During the search, 24 hard disks containing incriminating digital evidence were seized from the illegal Call Centre.
Ongoing investigations are being conducted in close collaboration with international law enforcement agencies.
Operation Chakra-IV is aimed at combating and dismantling organized cyber-enabled financial crime networks through a coordinated global response leveraging Interpol channels.
