New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has dismantled a major transnational cybercrime network operating from Noida under Operation Chakra, exposing a tech-support scam that defrauded US nationals of about $ 8.5 million.
The crackdown led to the arrest of six key operatives and the seizure of Rs 1.88 crore in cash along with 34 electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptops, hard disks and pen drives.
An illegal call centre run by the accused in Noida was also shut down.
According to a CBI statement issued on 12 December, the agency acted on inputs received from the FBI to target a sophisticated cyber-enabled financial fraud network active since 2022.
The accused allegedly impersonated officials from the US agencies such as the FBI, DEA and Social Security Administration, threatening victims with asset freezes over fabricated charges of money laundering and drug trafficking.
However, it should be noted that the US Embassy in India described the action as a strong example of the US-India partnership. Further, the investigations are underway to trace additional proceeds and international links.
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