The arrest of 26 cyber criminals in a multi-state crackdown by the CBI under Operation Chakra-III highlight a critical and growing concern in the digital age: the proliferation of cybercrime networks. These criminals, operating sophisticated international fraud rings, have been targeting individuals through phishing schemes, tech support scams, and identity theft. With cybercrime increasingly becoming a global threat, the CBI’s swift action in Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Visakhapatnam has sent a strong message that India is committed to combating these digital predators.
The operation was both extensive and decisive. Raids were conducted in 32 locations, with the CBI successfully intercepting 170 individuals in four call centres across these cities. These were no ordinary criminals, but a highly organised network that had evolved to exploit modern technology for fraudulent activities.
Their modus operandi revolved around impersonation, deceit, and psychological manipulation-convincing victims that their systems had been compromised and their identities stolen. The ultimate goal was to induce these victims to transfer their life savings into accounts controlled by cybercriminals, often through international gift cards or crypto-currencies. The success of this crackdown also lies in the wealth of evidence seized-Rs 58.
45 lakh in cash, locker keys, luxury vehicles, and over 951 items, including electronic devices and financial information. These will undoubtedly aid in the.