New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) dismantled a sophisticated transnational cybercrime syndicate defrauding Japanese citizens through fake tech support scams, arresting six key operatives during Operation Chakra V.
Coordinated searches were conducted on Wednesday at 19 locations across Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The arrested individuals are Ashu Singh (Delhi), Kapil Ghakhar (Panipat, Haryana), Rohit Maurya (Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh), Shubham Jaiswal (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh), Vivek Raj (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh), and Adarsh Kumari (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh).
The CBI’s investigation revealed the syndicate operated illegal call centers masquerading as legitimate customer service hubs. Impersonating technical support personnel from reputed companies like Microsoft, the fraudsters targeted Japanese citizens. They deceived victims into believing their electronic devices were compromised and then coerced them into transferring funds into mule accounts under the false pretense of providing essential tech support or security services.
The case was registered based on credible intelligence. Crucial to the crackdown was close international collaboration with the National Police Agency of Japan and technical support from Microsoft Corporation. This partnership helped identify the perpetrators and map the syndicate’s operational structure.
During the searches, the CBI seized substantial digital and physical evidence confirming the large-scale operation. Preliminary analysis indicates the scam employed advanced social engineering techniques and technical subterfuge.
“The Central Bureau of Investigation reiterates its unwavering commitment to tackling the dynamic and evolving threats posed by cybercrime,” stated a CBI spokesperson. “Operations like Chakra V underline the agency’s resolve to bring cybercriminals to justice and safeguard citizens across borders from digital exploitation. The Bureau continues to strengthen its strategic and operational capabilities in cybercrime detection, investigation, and prosecution through collaboration with domestic and international stakeholders.”
Operation Chakra V is part of the CBI’s ongoing efforts to combat cyber-enabled financial crimes with international dimensions. The dismantling of these call centers disrupts a significant operation targeting foreign nationals.
