CBI Dismantles International Cybercrime Network Targeting German Nationals
Moneylife Digital Team 18 February 2025
The central bureau of investigation (CBI) has successfully dismantled a sophisticated transnational cybercrime network that had been defrauding German nationals since 2021. The operation, codenamed Operation Chakra-IV, was carried out in coordination with German authorities and resulted in multiple arrests and seizures.
 
CBI's international operations division registered a case on 12 February 2025 against Rahul Shaw, Shubham Sharma, Rajeev Budhiraja and other unknown individuals under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology (IT) Act 2000. The suspects allegedly orchestrated a scheme in which they posed as technical support specialists to gain unauthorised access to victims' computers and bank accounts.
 
According to the agency, the perpetrators deceived German victims by falsely claiming their bank accounts had been compromised. Exploiting their fears, the fraudsters manipulated them into transferring approximately 646,032 euros into cryptocurrency wallets controlled by the criminal network.
 
During the past few days, CBI conducted extensive searches across multiple locations linked to the accused. Between 14th February and 17 February 2025, raids were carried out at six sites in Delhi, Kolkata, and Siliguri, leading to the arrest of key suspect Rahul Shaw in Siliguri. He is set to appear before the additional chief judicial magistrate at Rouse Avenue district courts, New Delhi. Seven mobile phones, a laptop, and incriminating documents were seized during the operation.
 
Further investigations uncovered an illegal call centre operated by the suspects at Webel IT Park at Matigara in Darjeeling. The call centre, which was dismantled by authorities, contained 24 hard drives filled with digital evidence of the fraudulent activities.
 
The CBI confirmed that the network had been laundering illicit funds through virtual assets. The agency is continuing its investigation in collaboration with foreign law enforcement agencies to track the proceeds of crime and identify further suspects.
 
Operation Chakra-IV is part of a broader initiative by CBI to combat cyber-enabled financial crimes. The operation, executed through global law enforcement cooperation and Interpol channels, highlights the agency's commitment to dismantling organised cybercrime networks worldwide.
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