The CBI, on Tuesday, has launched ‘Operation Chakra’ in order to debunk “cyber-enabled financial crimes,” carrying out raids at 105 locations across numerous states and Union Territories. The operations have been put to force in coordination with Interpol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) along with state police forces.
The action was taken after CBI busted two call centres in Pune and Ahmedabad, that allegedly targeted unsuspecting American citizens. The centres consisted of nearly 150 people, who would make fraudulent calls to prospective targets in the United States, enticing the victims into making transactions on various pretexts. The calls were allegedly made via Voice over Internet Protocol technology to dodge detection. The initial information regarding the scam was briefed by the FBI with the CBI, a few months ago.
The raids were conducted in association with police forces of the six states and Union Territories, namely Andaman and Nicobar (raids at four locations), New Delhi (five locations), Chandigarh (three locations) and two locations each in the states of Punjab, Karnataka, and Assam.
According to the sources, “Of all the locations, CBI alone has conducted searches at around 80 locations spread states. The agency also received inputs from the raids from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.”
“From one location in Rajasthan, CBI uncovered Rs. 1.5 crores cash and 1.5 Kg gold. The accused person had been running an illegal call centre. Two such call centres were also busted in Ahemdabad and Pune. They were involved in call centre fraud in the US. The FBI has been informed and they are taking follow up action,” stated the CBI official.
CBI has also retrieved digital evidence, including details pertaining to bank transactions and dark web cybercrime activity. In this regard, “a person of interest has also been identified in Punjab in this connection” the official added.
The agency has carried on with the operation, seizing digital proofs including mobile phones, laptops and hard disks, for further investigation.
