Gujarat Law Enforcement Breaks Up Cybercrime Ring Behind Widespread CCTV Hacking Across 20 States
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Synopsis
The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Unit has dismantled a vast cybercriminal network, compromising 50,000 CCTV cameras across 20 states. The operation, praised by Gujarat's Home Minister, highlights significant vulnerabilities in digital security. An ongoing investigation has also uncovered troubling breaches of patient privacy in Rajkot.
Key Takeaways
- Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Unit takes decisive action against cybercriminals.
- Over 50,000 CCTV cameras compromised.
- Gang exploited CCTV vulnerabilities for illegal activities.
- Investigation led to multiple arrests across various locations.
- Concerns raised over patient privacy at Rajkot's Payal Maternity Home.
Ahmedabad, March 2 (NationPress) The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Unit has successfully dismantled a cybercrime syndicate that unlawfully accessed an astonishing 50,000 CCTV cameras in 20 states, as reported by Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Sunday.
The Home Minister commended the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Unit for their effective measures in neutralizing the cybercriminal organization.
Authorities indicated that the gang took advantage of weaknesses in CCTV systems, likely using them for illegal purposes such as surveillance, extortion, and data theft.
The Gujarat Police acted promptly upon discovering the cyber intrusion, initiating a thorough investigation that resulted in several arrests and the filing of cases in multiple locations.
The State Home Minister lauded the unit's efforts, highlighting the critical nature of cybersecurity and alertness in a time of escalating digital threats.
"The unit's dedicated efforts have led to the filing of numerous cases across various regions, bringing the offenders to justice. Kudos to the Gujarat Police Cyber Crime Ahmedabad for their relentless work in safeguarding our communities!" he commented on his social media platform X.
In a troubling incident that has raised significant concerns regarding patient confidentiality and cybersecurity, explicit videos of women receiving medical examinations at Rajkot's Payal Maternity Home have emerged online.
These videos, which were reportedly recorded through the hospital's CCTV system, were illegally uploaded to a YouTube channel and shared within a Telegram group, where access was sold for fees between Rs 999 and Rs 1,500. The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Unit launched an investigation following the circulation of these videos on social media.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Hardik Makadia disclosed that the suspects had formed a Telegram group associated with a YouTube channel where the videos were posted.
Participants were persuaded to pay a subscription fee for access to the explicit material, with screenshots utilized as promotional content. In response to the breach, the hospital's director, Dr Amit Akbari, stated that their CCTV server had been compromised. He expressed doubt about how the footage was leaked and assured complete cooperation with the ongoing police inquiry.
