October 19, 2023 at 01:28PM
India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted raids on 76 locations as part of Operation Chakra-II to crack down on cybercrime operations involved in tech support scams and cryptocurrency fraud. The raids resulted in the seizure of mobile phones, laptops, SIM cards, and the freezing of bank accounts. The CBI uncovered two tech support scam operations targeting customers of multinational companies, as well as a cryptocurrency fraud ring that defrauded Indian investors. The CBI is collaborating with international law enforcement agencies and tech companies to dismantle these criminal networks.
Key Takeaways from Meeting Notes:
1. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India conducted a nationwide raid on 76 locations as part of Operation Chakra-II to crack down on cybercrime operations related to tech support scams and cryptocurrency fraud.
2. International law enforcement agencies and tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon collaborated with the CBI in this operation.
3. The raids resulted in the seizure of various electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptops, hard disks, and SIM cards. Numerous bank accounts were frozen, and critical information was obtained from seized emails.
4. Two long-running tech support scam operations were discovered during the operation, impersonating customer support agents from well-known multinational companies, primarily targeting customers in the U.S., Canada, Germany, Australia, Spain, and the UK.
5. The scammers used internet pop-up messages that appeared as security alerts to contact victims and convince them of nonexistent technical issues on their computers. Victims were then convinced to pay for unnecessary services.
6. Tech support scams have been a significant issue, with losses exceeding $800 million reported in the U.S. alone in the past year.
7. A cryptocurrency fraud ring associated with a fake crypto-mining operation was also uncovered, targeting Indian nationals and resulting in losses of approximately $12 million.
8. The scammers created a fake cryptocurrency token and a misleading website to attract investors, promising significant profits. They collected funds through various accounts and payment gateways before ceasing operation.
9. International law enforcement agencies will be notified to take comprehensive action against these criminal networks, including identifying victims, shell companies, money mules, and proceeds of crime.
10. In collaboration with law enforcement, Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit has conducted multiple call center raids and arrests related to tech support fraud.
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