The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has dismantled a sophisticated cybercrime syndicate that defrauded US citizens of over Rs 350 crore (approximately USD 40 million) since 2023. The operation, dubbed Operation Chakra-IV, led to the arrest of three key operatives—Jigar Ahmed, Yash Khurana, and Inder Jeet Singh Bali—in Amritsar and Delhi, officials announced on Monday.

The CBI registered an FIR on August 18 and launched a search operation on August 20, uncovering a complex network of deceit and financial manipulation stretching from Punjab to Washington, DC. The accused operated an illegal call center under the name "Digikaps The Future of Digital" at Global Tower, opposite Khalsa College of Women in Amritsar. The syndicate posed as tech support, exploiting remote access software to infiltrate victims’ computer systems and bank accounts.

According to a CBI spokesperson, the fraudsters convinced US nationals their finances were compromised, manipulating them into transferring USD 40 million to cryptocurrency wallets controlled by the gang. During raids, the CBI intercepted 34 individuals engaged in ongoing criminal activities at the call center and recovered Rs 54 lakh in cash, eight mobile phones, 16 laptops, 85 hard drives, and 44 additional devices containing incriminating digital evidence.

Also Read: Bhiwani Teacher’s Case: Rites Performed, Net Ban Continues

The operation revealed a global fraud network, with the CBI seizing digital assets that trace the scam’s financial trail. “The accused gained unauthorized access to victims’ systems, creating a false sense of urgency to siphon funds,” the spokesperson said. The investigation, conducted in coordination with Interpol and foreign law enforcement agencies, continues to explore international leads and identify the full extent of the network.

The CBI’s efforts highlight India’s commitment to combating technology-enabled crime, with Operation Chakra-IV targeting organized cyber fraud. Authorities are now focused on tracking the proceeds of the crime and uncovering any additional accomplices. The seized evidence is expected to provide critical insights into the syndicate’s operations, potentially exposing further links to global cybercrime networks.

Sources: Hindustan Times, The Week, Devdiscourse

Also Read: Amid Protests, Bhiwani Teacher’s Case Goes to CBI