Breaking News

Nationwide CCTV Hacking Racket Uncovered by ACB

by VARINDIA 2025-02-24

Investigators are working with cybersecurity experts to trace the origins of these breaches and prevent future occurrences.

In a major breakthrough, Ahmedabad's Cybercrime Branch (ACB) has uncovered a nationwide CCTV hacking racket that compromised surveillance systems across multiple cities. This cybercrime network exploited vulnerabilities in CCTV surveillance systems to gain unauthorized access, raising serious concerns over privacy and security.

ACB Investigation Exposes Cybercrime Network

Ahmedabad Cybercrime and Crime Branch officers, under JCP Sharad Singh, DCPs Lavina Sinha and Ajit Rajyan, and ACPs Hardik Makadia and Bharat Patel, coordinated the operation, sending five teams to Maharashtra and Prayagraj. The entire mission was successfully executed within 48 hours. Authorities warn that such incidents could be exploited for criminal activities, such as extortion, corporate espionage, and unauthorized monitoring of law enforcement agencies. The scale of this breach has heightened concerns over the security of nationwide CCTV networks, calling for immediate regulatory action.

The probe revealed a well-coordinated nationwide hacking racket involving cybercriminals who infiltrated security networks, gaining remote control over surveillance feeds. These bad actors reportedly sold access to these compromised cameras, enabling illegal surveillance activities. ACB has arrested three individuals from Latur and Sangli in Maharashtra and Bhins near Prayagraj for hacking and leaking CCTV footage from hospitals, including Payal Maternity Home & Surgical Hospital in Rajkot. The footage was illicitly sold on platforms like YouTube and Telegram. It was also discovered that international hackers from Romania and Atlanta aided them in the hacking process.

Modus Operandi of the Hackers

During the investigation, the accused admitted to hacking hospital CCTV systems across various Indian cities. They collaborated with international hackers from Romania and Atlanta to execute these cyber intrusions. The stolen footage was then monetized through Telegram channels. The cybercrime network used advanced hacking techniques to breach CCTV surveillance systems. Investigators discovered that hackers targeted vulnerabilities in outdated security cameras and weak passwords to gain entry.

The accused had been operating this nationwide hacking racket for over a year, illegally accessing and selling CCTV footage from shopping malls, government offices, and hospitals. Footage from shopping malls was priced between ₹800 and ₹1,200, while more sensitive videos, including those from gynaecology wards and medical procedures, were sold for up to ₹4,000. These recordings were then monetised through platforms like YouTube and Telegram, capitalising on the high demand for such illicit content.

The exposure of this hacking racket underscores the growing threat of cybercrime and the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. Compromised CCTV surveillance systems pose significant risks, including privacy violations, security breaches, and potential misuse of sensitive footage.

The discovery of this nationwide CCTV hacking racket highlights the pressing need for enhanced cybersecurity in surveillance systems. With the ACB’s ongoing efforts, it is expected that stricter regulations and improved security protocols will be enforced to safeguard CCTV networks from future threats. The case serves as a wake-up call for both the public and private sectors to take proactive measures against cybercrime in the digital age.