India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has dismantled a transnational cybercrime ring accused of defrauding US nationals of more than $40 million, in a joint effort with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The crackdown, part of Operation Chakra-IV, targeted illegal call centers and residential locations in the northern part of the country. Authorities seized Rs. 54 lakh (approximately US$ 62,000) in cash, dozens of electronic devices and incriminating records. Three key suspects are in custody with investigations continuing to identify additional accomplices and trace the stolen funds.
Tech Support Scam turned Global Fraud
According to investigators, the group operated a large-scale technical support scam from 2023 to 2025. Using social engineering tactics, the criminals tricked victims into believing their bank accounts had been compromised.
Under the guise of providing assistance, fraudsters gained remote access to computers and convinced victims to transfer money into cryptocurrency wallets they controlled. By exploiting fear of financial loss, the actors manipulated victims into sending over $40 million through virtual assets.
On August 18, CBI’s International Operations Division opened a case following intelligence from US authorities. Raids conducted over the following week uncovered a large-scale illegal call center operating under the name M/s Digipaks The Future of Digital in Amritsar.
Authorities intercepted 34 individuals engaged in active fraud during the raids. The searches yielded 85 hard drives, 16 laptops, and 44 mobile phones loaded with incriminating digital evidence.
Follow-up operations at residential premises led to the recovery of Rs. 54 lakh in cash, additional mobile devices, laptops, and documents linked to the crimes. Investigators say further action is underway to trace laundered funds and identify international accomplices.
The CBI said the network relied heavily on cryptocurrency to launder stolen funds and thus, the agency is working with INTERPOL and other foreign law enforcement bodies to follow the money trail and dismantle associated groups.
The crackdown marks one of the largest disruptions of a transnational cyber-enabled financial crime network in India. Authorities said Operation Chakra-IV will continue to prioritize identifying global cybercrime operations that exploit virtual assets.
Also read: CBI’s Coordinated Strike Takes Down Transnational Cybercrime Network in India
Source: Read More
