Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as part of ongoing Operation CHAKRA-III has taken action to successfully dismantle a sophisticated virtual asset and bullion supported cyber crime network that has been targeting victims in foreign countries since 2022. This operation was executed in close coordination with FBI (USA).
International Operations Division of CBI registered a case on 09.09.2024 against accused including Vishnu Rathi, a key accused, under sections 120-B and 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as Section 66D read with 75 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and launched investigation. It was alleged that accused individuals, between June and August 2022, conspired to target a U.S. citizen by gaining unauthorized remote access to the victim’s computer and bank account. It was also alleged that under the pretext of offering tech support services, they falsely informed the US based victim that her bank account had been compromised. Claiming that the funds were at risk, they, allegedly, manipulated the victim into transferring USD 453,953 to cryptocurrency wallets controlled by them.
Following the registration of the case, the CBI swiftly conducted extensive searches at multiple locations associated/ linked to the accused, yielding substantial incriminating evidence.
Searches conducted by CBI at 7 (seven) locations across Mumbai and Kolkata on 12.09.2024 and 13.09.2024 have revealed that this transnational cyber-enabled financial crimes network was channeling proceeds of crime through virtual assets and bullion.
During search at the residential premises of accused Vishnu Rathi, 57 gold bars of 100 gm each, cash amount of Rs.16,00,000/-, mobile phone, laptop used to manage crypto currencies, details of lockers and other incriminating documents were recovered.
CBI has arrested Vishnu Rathi from Mumbai.
Further operations are ongoing to identify victims of crime and proceeds of crime etc.
CBI is coordinating with FBI and law enforcement agencies in multiple countries through INTERPOL for follow up on leads.
Operation CHAKRA-III, has been initiated by CBI to combat and dismantle organized cyber enabled financial crime networks through a globally coordinated law enforcement response leveraging INTERPOL channels.
