CBI Leads Multinational Operation CyStrike Against Cyber Financial Crime Networks
In a significant international law enforcement effort, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has spearheaded Operation CyStrike, a coordinated multinational crackdown targeting transnational cyber-enabled financial crime networks operating from India and other participating countries. This operation was conducted in close collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and law-enforcement agencies from the United Kingdom, Kuwait, Ireland, and Singapore, according to an official release.
Widespread Searches Across Multiple Indian States
As part of this extensive operation, the CBI executed search operations at 35 locations on January 30 across numerous Indian states. The targeted areas included New Delhi and states such as Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Telangana, and West Bengal. The agency successfully dismantled cyber-enabled financial crime networks operated by accused individuals who utilized pseudonymous online identities to defraud victims across all six participating countries.
Key Arrests and Evidence Seizure
During the search operations, the CBI identified and dismantled a specific cyber-enabled financial crime network operating from New Delhi that specifically targeted victims in the United States. Law enforcement officials recovered and seized numerous electronic devices, including:
- Laptops containing incriminating digital evidence
- Mobile phones with crucial communication records
- Computer hard disks storing fraudulent transaction data
The key operative, identified as Pfokrehrii Peter, was arrested on the spot during the operation, marking a significant breakthrough in the investigation.
Uncovering Visa and Job Fraud Networks
The investigation also revealed another sophisticated cyber-enabled financial crime network operating from multiple locations including New Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Karnataka. This network operated under the false pretext of offering:
- Kuwaiti e-visas to Indian nationals
- Appointment letters for jobs with leading companies in Kuwait
These fraudulent offers were exchanged for substantial amounts of money from unsuspecting victims. Search operations led to the seizure of electronic devices containing fake Kuwaiti e-visas and appointment offers. Additionally, authorities recovered cash amounting to Rs 60 lakh from one of the accused individuals involved in this scheme.
Dismantling Financial Infrastructure
In a crucial component of the operation, the CBI successfully dismantled mule bank accounts that were being used to channel proceeds of crime from foreign victims to the accused individuals. This financial infrastructure played a vital role in facilitating the transnational nature of these cyber crimes.
International Coordination and Cooperation
Operation CyStrike, led by the CBI, involved close coordination with Interpol as well as law-enforcement agencies from all participating countries. This multinational cooperation demonstrates the growing global commitment to combating cyber-enabled financial crimes that transcend national borders. The operation highlights the increasing sophistication of international law enforcement collaboration in addressing complex digital crimes that affect citizens across multiple jurisdictions.
