Noida | December 12, 2025 | In a major breakthrough against cross-border cybercrime, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has dismantled a sophisticated transnational cyber fraud network that allegedly duped US nationals of USD 8.5 million (around ₹71 crore) through a fake call centre operation in Noida.
The crackdown, carried out with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), forms part of “Operation Chakra”, CBI’s coordinated campaign to combat technology-enabled organized financial crime.
During raids at the illegal call centre, CBI arrested six key operatives and recovered ₹1.88 crore in cash, along with 34 electronic devices and incriminating documents.
Posing as US Officials, the Gang Extorted Millions
According to CBI’s investigation, the accused — all Indian nationals — posed as officers of US agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI, and the Social Security Administration (SSA).
They allegedly contacted American citizens under the guise of official investigations, falsely claiming that their Social Security Numbers (SSNs) were linked to drug trafficking or money laundering.
Victims were told their bank accounts and assets would be frozen, prompting many to transfer their savings to cryptocurrency wallets or foreign bank accounts controlled by the scammers.
Between 2022 and 2025, the network allegedly siphoned off USD 8.5 million through these fraudulent schemes, using cryptocurrency and overseas money channels to conceal the trail.
Noida Hub Busted; Raids Conducted in Delhi and Kolkata
CBI registered the case on December 9, 2025, and conducted simultaneous raids across Noida, Delhi, and Kolkata.
At the Noida facility, investigators caught six individuals red-handed as they were making fraudulent calls to US citizens in real time.
The searches led to the recovery of mobile phones, laptops, pen drives, hard disks, and transaction records pointing to the network’s digital and financial footprint.
CBI officials said that efforts are ongoing to trace foreign collaborators, fund flows, and virtual asset transactions linked to the network.
Major Breakthrough under “Operation Chakra”
A CBI spokesperson described the operation as a significant milestone under “Operation Chakra,” a sustained initiative to dismantle technology-driven financial crime syndicates with international cooperation.
“This action reflects India’s strong response to global cybercrime and highlights the importance of coordinated enforcement with foreign agencies to neutralize such networks,”the official said.
The operation is being conducted in collaboration with INTERPOL and several foreign law enforcement agencies, aimed at tracing transnational fraud networks operating through digital ecosystems.
Crypto and ‘Digital Fear’ Used to Manipulate Victims
Cyber experts noted that the case demonstrates how modern fraudsters leverage virtual assets like cryptocurrency to obscure money trails.
Phrases such as “digital arrest,” “virtual investigation,” and “social security freeze” were used to instill panic among victims.
Preliminary forensic analysis by CBI revealed that the proceeds of crime were routed through multiple international bank accounts and digital wallets. Investigators are now conducting blockchain tracing and forensic audits to follow the digital trail.
Public Advisory and Ongoing Probe
CBI has urged citizens to avoid responding to unsolicited calls or emails from individuals posing as law enforcement or government officials — especially those demanding payments or personal data.
The agency has advised reporting such attempts to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or the nearest police station.
Officials confirmed that follow-up action via INTERPOL is underway to identify overseas collaborators and freeze foreign accounts linked to the racket.
