TLDR
- CBI dismantled a cyber-crime syndicate defrauding US citizens out of $8.5 million through cryptocurrency.
- Six suspects were arrested in multiple locations, including Delhi, Noida, and Kolkata.
- The syndicate used fake identities of DEA, FBI, and SSA officials to manipulate victims.
- CBI seized Rs 1.88 crore in cash and 34 electronic devices during the operation.
- The criminal network utilized virtual assets and bank transfers to launder the illicit funds.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has dismantled a transnational cyber-crime network that targeted US citizens. According to a report by Times of India, the syndicate defrauded individuals out of approximately $8.5 million, primarily through cryptocurrency transactions. CBI arrested six individuals and recovered Rs 1.88 crore ($207,541)in cash during the operation.
CBI’s Operation Against Cyber-Criminals
The operation, based on intelligence from the FBI, led to the arrest of six suspects involved in the crime. The criminals used pseudonyms of high-ranking officials from the DEA, FBI, and SSA to deceive victims. The accused manipulated US citizens by claiming their Social Security Numbers were tied to money laundering or drug activities.
The perpetrators threatened to freeze all assets of the victims, leveraging fear to persuade them into transferring funds. The victims were instructed to send the money to cryptocurrency wallets and foreign bank accounts controlled by the syndicate. “The accused exploited the victims’ fear of asset seizure to transfer $8.5 million,” a CBI official stated.
Dismantling the Call Center and Seizing Evidence
CBI registered a case on December 9 and launched simultaneous raids in Delhi, Noida, and Kolkata. During the searches, the agency dismantled an illegal call center operated by the syndicate in Noida. The authorities seized Rs 1.88 crore in cash and 34 electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptops, and pen drives.
These devices contained crucial documents and evidence linked to the crime. The CBI also uncovered a complex network involving virtual assets and bank transfers to launder the illicit funds. The operation revealed that the syndicate was using various online platforms to facilitate the transfers.
Arrested Suspects Identified
The arrested individuals have been identified as Shubham Singh, alias Domnic; Daltanlian, alias Michael; and George T Zamlianlal, also known as Miles. L Seiminlen Haokip, Robert Thangkhankhual, and Mangkholun are also among the detained suspects. The arrested persons used multiple aliases to conduct the fraud and avoid detection.
The authorities are continuing their investigation, following the leads from the seized devices and documents. The operation highlights the growing threat of cyber-crime networks leveraging virtual assets to target unsuspecting victims worldwide.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
