CBI arrests, six, raids 19 locations, busts transnational cybercrime network targeting Japanese citizens

New Delhi, May 29

As part of its ongoing efforts to combat cyber-enabled financial crimes under Operation Chakra V, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted coordinated searches at 19 locations across Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. 

The operation culminated in the arrest of six key operatives and the dismantling of two illegal call centers engaged in a sophisticated transnational tech support scam targeting Japanese citizens.

CBI had registered a case on basis of credible intelligence indicating the existence of a cybercrime syndicates defrauding foreign nationals—particularly Japanese citizens—by impersonating as technical support personnel from reputed multinational corporations, including Microsoft. 

The syndicate operated call centers designed to appear as legitimate customer service centers, through which victims were deceived into believing that their electronic devices were compromised. Under this pretext, victims were coerced into transferring funds into mule accounts.

Following the registration of the case, the CBI worked in close coordination with the National Police Agency of Japan and Microsoft Corporation. This collaborative international engagement proved critical in identifying the perpetrators and tracing the operational structure of the syndicates, ultimately leading to the successful crackdown in India.

During the searches, the CBI seized substantial digital and physical evidences indicative of the large-scale operations of the syndicate. Preliminary analysis confirms that the scam leveraged advanced social engineering techniques and technical subterfuge to manipulate victims and extract money under false pretenses.

The CBI reiterates its unwavering commitment to tackling the dynamic and evolving threats posed by cybercrime. The Bureau continues to strengthen its strategic and operational capabilities in the domain of cybercrime detection, investigation, and prosecution in collaboration with domestic and international stakeholders. Operations like Chakra V underline the agency’s resolve to bring cybercriminals to justice and safeguard citizens across borders from digital exploitation.”