The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) recently conducted a major, Chakra-II Operation, targeting organized cyber-enabled financial crimes. The action spanned across 11 States, involving searches at 76 locations.
The Chakra-II Operation reiterates the necessity for heightened vigilance and concerted efforts to combat the stealthy yet pervasive threat of cybercrime. It urges a united front, combining the strengths of law enforcement, corporate entities, and international agencies to protect the digital realm from these insidious criminal networks. The exposed modus operandi serves as a stark reminder for individuals and businesses to remain vigilant and adhere to robust security measures in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Key Points of the Chakra-II Operation:
The Chakra-II Operation, a meticulously coordinated endeavor, reverberated across 11 States, echoing the growing collaborative efforts among national and international agencies. The operation’s expansive reach extended to 76 locations, forging partnerships with private sector giants to unmask the intricate layers of cyber malfeasance.
- National and International Collaboration: The CBI collaborated with both national and international agencies, as well as prominent private sector companies to conduct this operation.
- Geographical Scope: Searches were conducted in 11 States, including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Haryana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Bihar, Delhi, West Bengal, and Himachal Pradesh, pertaining to five cases.
- Partners and Cases: Complaints from Microsoft and Amazon led to two of the registered cases, while the Financial Intelligence Unit-India provided crucial information to the agency.
- Seized Items: During the operation, the CBI seized 32 mobile phones, 48 laptops/hard disks, images of two servers, 33 SIM cards, and pen drives. Additionally, a significant number of bank accounts linked to the cases were frozen.
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Details of Cyber-Enabled Crimes Unearthed:
International Tech Support Fraud: The CBI uncovered instances of international tech support fraud where accused individuals impersonated major global IT companies and online trading platforms. Nine call centers across five states/union territories were identified to have systematically targeted foreign nationals.
Victims and Payments: Predominantly, victims were from the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany. The accused manipulated international payment gateways to route illegally acquired funds.
Modus Operandi of the Accused:
Deceptive Practices: The accused used deceptive Internet pop-up messages masquerading as security alerts, claiming the recipient’s computer had technical issues. These messages contained “toll-free” numbers supposedly for technical support services, which were operated from the identified call centers.
Remote Access and Fraud: Upon contacting these numbers, the accused gained remote access to the victim’s computer, convincing them to pay large sums under the guise of resolving technical problems.
Conclusion:
The CBI’s Chakra-II Operation targeted and unveiled a network of cybercriminals engaged in duping foreign nationals through sophisticated tech support scams. The collaboration between multiple agencies and private sector entities has resulted in the seizure of crucial devices and the freezing of bank accounts linked to the fraudulent activities. This operation serves as a significant step in combatting cyber-enabled financial crimes, exposing the intricacies of these fraudulent schemes.
To Learn Cyber Security, visit: https://www.cctinternshala.in