Operation CyStrike: CBI launches cyber fraud crackdown; dismantles crime networks targeting foreigners from India

NEW DELHI: The CBI, in coordination with the FBI and law-enforcement agencies from the UK, Kuwait, Ireland, and Singapore, launched a multinational crackdown called “Operation CyStrike” to target transnational cyber-enabled financial crime networks operating from India and the five other participating countries, an official release said on Monday.

As part of the operation, the CBI conducted searches at 35 locations on January 30 across New Delhi and Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Telangana, and West Bengal. The agency "dismantled" cyber-enabled financial crime networks run by accused individuals who used pseudonymous online identities to defraud victims in the six countries.

During the search operations, the CBI busted and dismantled a cyber-enabled financial crime network operated from New Delhi that targeted victims in the United States. Electronic devices, including laptops, mobile phones, and computer hard disks containing incriminating digital evidence, were recovered and seized from the accused. The key operative, Pfokrehrii Peter, was arrested on the spot, the release noted.

The agency also uncovered another cyber-enabled financial crime network operating from New Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Karnataka under the pretext of offering Kuwaiti e-visas and appointment letters for jobs with leading companies in Kuwait to Indian nationals in exchange for money. Searches led to the seizure of electronic devices containing fake Kuwaiti e-visas and appointment offers, while cash amounting to Rs 60 lakh was recovered from one of the accused, according to the release.

In addition, the CBI dismantled mule bank accounts used to channel proceeds of crime from foreign victims to the accused.

Operation CyStrike, led by the CBI, involved close coordination with Interpol as well as law-enforcement agencies from participating countries.
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