Operation CHAKRA-III Initiative by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

Operation CHAKRA-III is a landmark initiative by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies like the FBI and INTERPOL. This operation, launched to dismantle a sophisticated international cyber-enabled financial crime network, marks a significant milestone in the global fight against cybercrime. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the intricacies of this operation is crucial for several segments of the syllabus, including Internal Security, Cyber Security, and International Relations.

CBI Arrests 43 Persons Under Operation CHAKRA-III

The CBI has arrested 43 individuals as part of Operation CHAKRA-III, dismantling a transnational cyber-enabled financial crime network. This operation, executed in collaboration with the FBI and INTERPOL, targeted a sophisticated call center in Gurugram’s DLF Cyber City. The raids uncovered substantial evidence, including 130 computer hard disks, 65 mobile phones, and 5 laptops. The operation underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime and highlights the CBI’s commitment to securing digital spaces.

Genesis of Operation CHAKRA-III

The CBI’s International Operations Division registered case RC2312024S0007 on July 22, 2024. The case involves multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act, 2000:

• Section 120B (Criminal Conspiracy)
• Section 420 (Cheating)
• Sections 467, 468, and 471 (Forgery)
• Section 66D of the IT Act (Fraudulent use of electronic records)

Operational Execution

Acting on intelligence, the CBI conducted coordinated raids across seven locations in the National Capital Region, including Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida. These raids revealed that the cyber-enabled financial crimes were being orchestrated from a call center operated by Innonet Technologies (OPC) Pvt Ltd, located in DLF Cyber City, Gurugram.

Modus Operandi: A Four-Step Scheme

1. Impersonation: Fraudsters contacted victims while posing as legitimate entities, gaining their trust through social engineering techniques.
2. Malware Distribution: Victims were tricked into clicking on seemingly harmless pop-ups, unknowingly downloading malicious software onto their systems.
3. Extortion: Once systems were compromised, criminals demanded payments to restore the infected computers.
4. Money Laundering: The ill-gotten gains were channeled through a complex network spanning multiple countries, making it difficult to trace the money trail.

Evidence Seized

During the raids, the CBI intercepted live criminal operations and recovered substantial incriminating evidence, including:

• 130 computer hard disks
• 65 mobile phones
• 5 laptops
• Incriminating documents detailing the organization’s structure and operations
• Financial transaction details
• Call recordings
• Victim details
• Transcripts used for targeting victims

International Cooperation

The success of Operation CHAKRA-III underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime. The CBI worked closely with the FBI and law enforcement agencies in multiple countries through INTERPOL channels. This collaboration aims to:

• Follow up on leads uncovered during the initial raids
• Expand the investigation’s scope to uncover related criminal networks
• Share intelligence to prevent similar operations in other countries
• Coordinate efforts to repatriate stolen funds and assist victims

Significance of Operation CHAKRA-III for UPSC

Operation CHAKRA-III is a multifaceted case study that holds relevance for several aspects of the UPSC syllabus:

1. Internal Security: Understanding the methods and strategies employed in dismantling a cybercrime network helps in comprehending the internal security challenges posed by cyber threats.
2. Cyber Security: The operation provides insights into the tactics used by cybercriminals and the measures taken by law enforcement agencies to counter these threats.
3. International Relations: The collaboration between the CBI, FBI, and INTERPOL highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing transnational crimes.
4. Ethics and Integrity: The case underlines the ethical responsibility of law enforcement agencies in safeguarding citizens from cybercrimes and the significance of integrity in such operations.

Future Implications

Operation CHAKRA-III has set a precedent for future operations targeting cyber criminals. The ongoing investigation is expected to:

• Lead to further arrests and dismantling of linked operations
• Provide deeper insights into the full extent of the criminal network
• Strengthen international cooperation frameworks for combating cybercrime

Conclusion

Operation CHAKRA-III is a significant milestone in the fight against transnational cybercrime. It highlights the capabilities of the CBI and the importance of international cooperation in tackling sophisticated criminal networks. For UPSC aspirants, this operation serves as an important case study that integrates various aspects of the syllabus, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in ensuring cyber security and maintaining internal security in a globalized world.

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