An alleged cyber criminal has been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Mumbai for allegedly defrauding an American citizen of USD 4.5 lakh. The action was taken under CBI’s Operation Chakra-3, in collaboration with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Operation Chakra-3: Busting an international cybercrime network
The CBI in this operation busted a sophisticated virtual asset and gold-backed cybercrime network that was targeting foreign nationals since 2022. The CBI’s International Operations Branch arrested accused Vishnu Rathi from Mumbai and he was brought to Delhi and produced before a magistrate, from where he was sent to five-day CBI custody.
Important seizures and evidence
The CBI conducted raids at seven places in the last two days in this case and seized 57 gold bricks (each 100 grams), Rs 16 lakh in cash, mobile phones, laptops, and important documents related to crypto currency. It has been learnt that this network was channelising the proceeds of crime through virtual assets and gold.
How did he cheat an American citizen?
The CBI investigation revealed that the accused gained unauthorized access to the computer and bank account of a US citizen between June and August 2022. He falsely told the victim that his bank account had been ‘compromised’ and his funds were at risk. On this pretext, he convinced the victim to transfer an amount of US $ 4.5 lakh to crypto currency wallets which were under his control.
