CBI-FBI Joint Strike Takes Down Transnational Cybercrime Network Defrauding US Nationals ₹54 Lakh Seized, Three Held
(Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
New Delhi/Amritsar, Aug 25: In a major breakthrough under Operation Chakra, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has successfully dismantled a sophisticated transnational cybercrime network that defrauded U.S. nationals of nearly USD 40 million (approx. ₹330 crore) using virtual assets.
The operation, led by CBI’s International Operations Division, uncovered an elaborate scam where the accused remotely accessed victims’ devices under the guise of tech support. Posing as service providers, they convinced U.S.-based individuals that their bank accounts were compromised and duped them into transferring large sums to cryptocurrency wallets controlled by the scammers.
The case was registered on August 18, 2025, and swift action followed, with coordinated searches carried out in Amritsar and Delhi from August 20 onwards. During these raids, CBI recovered ₹54 lakh in cash, eight electronic devices including mobile phones and laptops, and incriminating documents. Three key accused have been arrested so far, and further investigation is underway to trace the broader network and proceeds of crime.
In Amritsar, officials busted an illegal call centre operating under the name M/s Digikaps – The Future of Digital, located at Global Tower, opposite Khalsa College of Women. A total of 34 individuals were caught red-handed in the act of carrying out cyber fraud operations. From the premises, CBI seized 85 hard disks, 16 laptops, and 44 mobile phones containing crucial digital evidence.
CBI officials said the crime syndicate had been operating since 2023, using advanced techniques to funnel money through virtual currencies and digital wallets. The operation marks a significant disruption of organized, technology-enabled financial crime with international ramifications.
CBI stated that further operations are ongoing to identify the entire criminal infrastructure, including international links, with support from INTERPOL and other global enforcement agencies.
