The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has announced plans to intensify its efforts against cybercrime syndicates with transnational links by coordinating with domestic and international law enforcement agencies. The agency will also target “lone wolf” cybercriminals engaging in online fraud through innovative and deceptive tactics.
Targeting Cybercrime Networks
This year began with the CBI registering a case against seven individuals allegedly running separate cybercrime modules, cheating victims out of ₹350 crore. The accused operated from multiple locations, including Delhi, Hazaribag (Jharkhand), Bathinda (Punjab), Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh), Valsad (Gujarat), Pudukkottai (Tamil Nadu), and Chittorgarh (Rajasthan).
The syndicates lured victims through Ponzi schemes, fraudulent micro-loan offers, and cryptocurrency investment scams, primarily promoted on social media platforms. A significant portion of the stolen funds was converted into cryptocurrencies and stored in virtual wallets to evade detection.
BHARATPOL: Strengthening Cybercrime Crackdown
The recently launched Broadcast Hub for Assistance and Real-time Action against Transnational Crimes via International Police Cooperation (BHARATPOL) is expected to be a game-changer in combating cybercrime. This unified platform connects the CBI with domestic law enforcement agencies and enables real-time coordination with Interpol for international assistance.
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The platform facilitates the issuance of Interpol notices, including the new Silver Notice pilot project, designed to track criminals and associated assets. Additionally, BHARATPOL acts as a centralized repository for analytical resources, training materials, and cutting-edge investigative tools, empowering officers to handle sophisticated cybercrime cases.
Recent Cases of Cybercrime Action
Fraudulent Call Centers
The CBI recently filed charges against three individuals based on information from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). One of the accused, Tushar Kharbanda from Noida, operated a fraudulent call center with over 150 telecallers who posed as officials from enforcement agencies and tech companies.
Kharbanda and his accomplices targeted elderly citizens in the U.S. and Canada, defrauding them of over 93,000 Canadian dollars, which were converted into cryptocurrency. The investigation revealed that 316 Bitcoins worth Rs 260 crore were transferred through crypto wallets and withdrawn in Dubai.
In July 2024, the CBI arrested 43 individuals during raids on a Gurugram-based call center as part of Operation Chakra-III. The call center, operational since 2022, targeted foreigners under the guise of software repair services. The operation was conducted in collaboration with the FBI and Interpol.
Chakra Operations
The CBI’s Chakra Operations have been instrumental in dismantling cybercrime networks:
- Chakra-II (October 2023): This operation cracked cases involving international online investment fraud. It uncovered 137 shell companies and over 300 cyber-enabled frauds affecting Indian and Singaporean citizens.
- Chakra-I (October 2022): The operation uncovered illegal call centers in Pune and Ahmedabad that had been defrauding U.S. citizens since 2014.
Rising Threats and Government Initiatives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the growing threat of cyber fraud in his Mann Ki Baat address in October 2024, specifically warning against the “Digital Arrest” scam. This scam involves fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials to extort money from victims. To address these challenges, the CBI is developing an integrated mechanism to enhance its capacity to tackle cybercrime. The agency is also leveraging its role as the National Central Bureau for Interpol in India to strengthen international cooperation.
A Call for Vigilance
The CBI’s intensified actions, supported by platforms like BHARATPOL and global collaboration, underline the importance of tackling cybercrime at its roots. With enhanced tools and international partnerships, the agency is determined to dismantle cybercriminal networks and protect citizens from digital fraud.
