CBI busts global cybercrime network, seizes 57 gold bars; one arrested in Mumbai

The CBI has busted an international cybercrime network and arrested an alleged accused from Mumbai, officials said on Saturday.
The accused, Vishnu Rathi, was arrested in connection with the CBI’s Operation Chakra-3, carried out against cybercriminals in coordination with the USA’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to officials, the network has been targeting victims in foreign countries since 2022, with their operations involving cryptocurrencies and bullion.
In a latest such incident, Rathi allegedly duped a US citizen of approximately Rs 3.8 crore (USD 453,953) by posing as a technical support agent.
The CBI conducted multiple raids over the last two days in connection with the case, during which the agency seized 57 gold bars of 100 grams each, Rs 16 lakh in cash, a mobile phone, a laptop used to manage cryptocurrencies, and details of lockers from Rathi’s premises.
A case was registered against the accused and others on September 9 for allegedly targeting a US citizen by gaining unauthorised remote access to the victim’s computer and bank account in 2022.
Under the pretext of offering tech support services, they falsely informed the US-based victim that her bank account had been compromised. Claiming the funds were at risk, they allegedly manipulated the victim into transferring Rs 3.8 crore to cryptocurrency wallets controlled by them, according to the CBI.
Searches were conducted by the CBI at seven locations across Mumbai and Kolkata on September 12 and 13. Further operations are ongoing to identify other victims and proceeds of the crime, officials added.
The CBI is coordinating with the FBI and law enforcement agencies in multiple countries through Interpol to follow up on leads.