CBI Busts Major Transnational Cyber Crime Network in Noida, Recovers Rs. 1.88 Crore; Six Arrested for Scamming US Nationals of $8.5 Million.
New Delhi:
In a major breakthrough, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has dismantled a sophisticated transnational cyber crime network operating out of Noida, Uttar Pradesh, which had defrauded US nationals of approximately USD 8.5 million. The operation, conducted under Operation Chakra, led to the arrest of six key operatives and the recovery of Rs. 1.88 crore in cash along with 34 electronic devices, including laptops, mobile phones, pen drives, and hard disks.
The investigation was initiated based on intelligence inputs received from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), USA. According to CBI officials, the network, active since 2022, impersonated US government officials from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), FBI, and Social Security Administration (SSA). The accused threatened victims that their Social Security Numbers (SSNs) had been misused for money laundering and illegal drug deliveries, warning that all assets would be frozen. Exploiting fear, the suspects coerced victims into transferring large sums of money—totaling USD 8.5 million—to cryptocurrency wallets and foreign bank accounts under their control.
The CBI formally registered the case on December 9, 2025, and swiftly launched a comprehensive investigation. Multiple coordinated searches were conducted across Delhi, Noida, and Kolkata, leading to the discovery of substantial incriminating evidence. During these operations, the CBI intercepted six individuals actively engaged in criminal activities at an illegal call centre in Noida and dismantled the setup on the spot.
The searches revealed that the cyber-enabled financial crime network had been using virtual assets and international bank transfers to channel the proceeds of crime. Recovered items included Rs. 1.88 crore in cash, 34 electronic devices, and numerous documents relating to the fraudulent activities.
CBI officials confirmed that further operations are underway to trace additional proceeds of crime and to investigate broader international connections of the network. The investigation is being conducted in close coordination with INTERPOL and other foreign law enforcement agencies to ensure a comprehensive crackdown on the organized cyber-enabled crime syndicate.
This operation marks a significant step in India’s efforts to curb transnational cyber-enabled financial fraud and highlights the growing collaboration between domestic and international law enforcement agencies to tackle sophisticated criminal networks.
