Cyber Crime
Ahmedabad Cybercrime Busts Nationwide CCTV Hacking Racket: Learn How
In a significant breakthrough, Ahmedabad’s Cybercrime Branch has arrested three individuals from Latur and Sangli in Maharashtra and Bhins near Prayagraj for hacking and leaking CCTV footage from hospitals, including Payal Maternity Home & Surgical Hospital in Rajkot. The footage was illicitly sold on platforms like YouTube and Telegram.
Nationwide CCTV Hacking Racket Uncovered
During the investigation, the accused admitted to hacking hospital CCTV systems across various Indian cities. They collaborated with international hackers from Romania and Atlanta to execute these cyber intrusions. The stolen footage was then monetized through Telegram channels.
Selling Footage for Profit
The illegally obtained CCTV recordings were sold for amounts ranging from Rs 800 to Rs 4,000. Joint Commissioner of Police (Cybercrime), Sharad Singh, stated that an in-depth technical analysis of IP addresses and social media activities led to the arrest of:
- Prajwal Ashok Taili (Latur): The mastermind behind the operation, responsible for coordinating with foreign hackers and targeting hospitals, malls, and public surveillance systems.
- Praj Rajendra Patil (Sangli): Managed Telegram subscriptions and handled financial transactions.
- Chandraprakash Phulchand (Prayagraj): Uploaded stolen footage to YouTube and shared access links with buyers.
Police have seized hard drives, mobile phones, bank records, laptops, and computers from the accused. They are being transferred to Ahmedabad for further interrogation.
ALSO READ: Cyber Fraud Ring Busted: 13 Agents Arrested for SIM Card Scam in Chhattisgarh
Global Cyber Nexus & Financial Trail
Authorities revealed that the accused used Telegram as their primary business platform, accumulating crores of rupees over the past year. A substantial portion of the earnings was reportedly shared with foreign hackers, raising concerns about international access to sensitive Indian CCTV footage.
Rajkot Hospital Hack Timeline
The breach at Rajkot’s Payal Maternity Home occurred in early January 2025, with hacking attempts starting in December 2024. Within 10 days, the accused gained unauthorized access, extracted footage, edited it, and sold it at varying prices.
Swift Action by Cybercrime Teams
Under the leadership of JCP Sharad Singh, along with DCPs Lavina Sinha and Ajit Rajyan, five special teams were deployed to Maharashtra and Prayagraj. The entire operation was executed within 48 hours, ensuring the swift apprehension of the culprits.
Sale of Hospital & Mall Footage
This hacking syndicate had been operational for over a year, selling CCTV footage from hospitals, government offices, and shopping malls. While shopping mall recordings were priced between ₹800 and ₹1,200, sensitive videos from gynecology wards and medical procedures were sold for as high as Rs 4,000. The content was distributed through Telegram and YouTube, exploiting the high demand for such illicit material.
Authorities are now investigating the full extent of this cybercrime network and the potential involvement of more international players.