Global Cyber Criminal Nabbed in Mumbai, Gold Worth Rs 3.7 Crore Seized

The CBI has arrested Vishnu Rathi, a key operator in a cyber fraud network, in Mumbai. During the operation, authorities seized gold valued at Rs 3.70 crore and Rs 16 lakh in cash from his residence.

The fraud ring primarily targeted foreigners, impersonating technical cyber support personnel to execute their scams. This crackdown highlights ongoing efforts to combat sophisticated cyber crime operations.

The cyber fraud ring primarily targeted foreigners by impersonating technical support personnel. A notable case involved an American citizen who was contacted between June and August 2022.

The syndicate, posing as bank officials, falsely claimed her bank account had been compromised and offered assistance, convincing her to transfer a total of USD 4,53,953 (around Rs 3.70 crore) to cryptocurrency wallets they controlled.

During a raid at Vishnu Rathi's residence, the CBI recovered 57 gold bars (each weighing 100 grams), Rs 16 lakh in cash, a mobile phone, a laptop, and incriminating documents, including locker details. The laptop, used for managing cryptocurrency transactions, is currently under analysis for further evidence.

This bust is part of “Operation CHAKRA-III,” a comprehensive initiative by the CBI aimed at dismantling cyber-enabled financial crime networks. By leveraging global coordination channels, the CBI is intensifying its investigation into similar syndicates worldwide.

The agency has registered a case against Vishnu Rathi and his associates under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including section 420 (cheating) and section 120B (criminal conspiracy), as well as section 66D of the Information Technology Act (punishment for cheating by personation using a computer resource). Additionally, investigators are looking into potential crimes committed by the gang outside India under section 75 of the Information Technology Act.