Cyber Crime
Mumbai Man Behind Global Cyber Heist Arrested, Gold Worth Rs 3.7 Crore Recovered
The CBI, in collaboration with the FBI, has arrested Vishnu Rathi, a key figure in a transnational cyber fraud syndicate that targeted foreigners. The syndicate defrauded victims by impersonating technical support services, seizing gold worth Rs 3.7 crore and cash from the accused’s home. The network’s proceeds were laundered through cryptocurrency wallets and bullion, with further investigations ongoing globally.
Mumbai: In a major operation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has dismantled an international cyber fraud syndicate operating since 2022, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The syndicate, primarily targeting foreign nationals, has been responsible for defrauding victims under the guise of technical support services. The CBI apprehended the key operator of the network, Vishnu Rathi, from Mumbai. Gold worth Rs 3.70 crore and Rs 16 lakh in cash were seized from his residence.
Modus Operandi
The cyber fraud ring primarily targeted foreigners by impersonating technical cyber support personnel. One significant case involved an American citizen whom the syndicate contacted between June and August of 2022. Posing as bank officials, they falsely claimed that her bank account had been compromised and offered assistance in resolving the issue. Using this pretext, the syndicate convinced the victim to transfer a total of USD 4,53,953 (equivalent to Rs 3.70 crore) to cryptocurrency wallets controlled by the fraudsters.
Seizure and Evidence Collection
During a raid at Rathi’s residence, CBI agents recovered 57 gold bars, each weighing 100 grams, Rs 16 lakh in cash, a mobile phone, a laptop, and incriminating documents such as locker details. The laptop, which was used for managing cryptocurrency transactions, is currently being analyzed for further evidence.
Global Coordination
The CBI, through INTERPOL, is coordinating with the FBI and law enforcement agencies from several other countries to track down more victims and follow the trail of the proceeds of this crime, which were laundered through virtual assets like cryptocurrency and gold bullion. The fraudsters used complex methods to convert the illicit gains from cryptocurrencies into tangible assets.
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Operation CHAKRA-III
This bust is part of “Operation CHAKRA-III,” a large-scale effort launched by the CBI to dismantle cyber-enabled financial crime networks. Leveraging global coordination channels, the CBI is intensifying its investigation into similar syndicates across the world.
The CBI has registered a case against Vishnu Rathi and his associates under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including section 420 (cheating) and section 120B (criminal conspiracy), as well as section 66D of the Information Technology Act (punishment for cheating by personation using a computer resource). The agency is also investigating whether the gang committed any crimes outside India under section 75 of the Information Technology Act.
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