The accused allegedly impersonated officials from various United States government agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Social Security Administration (SSA), to intimidate and deceive American citizens. Victims were falsely informed that their Social Security Numbers had been linked to serious criminal activities and were warned that their bank accounts and assets would be frozen unless they immediately followed the instructions given by the callers.
In a major breakthrough against transnational cyber fraud, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), acting on intelligence shared by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, dismantled a large cybercrime syndicate operating from Noida. The coordinated operation led to the arrest of six individuals accused of defrauding US nationals of nearly USD 8.5 million over a period of three years.
The CBI carried out extensive search and seizure operations on December 10 and 11 across multiple locations in Noida, Delhi, and Kolkata. During these raids, investigators recovered cash amounting to Rs. 1.88 crore, seized 34 electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and storage equipment, and collected several documents believed to be directly linked to the fraudulent activities. These actions were conducted under a larger nationwide and international crackdown on cybercrime, code-named Operation Chakra.
According to the CBI’s official statement, the syndicate operated by running illegal call centres that specifically targeted US citizens. The accused would pose as senior law enforcement or government officials, creating fear by claiming that the victims’ identities had been misused in drug trafficking, money laundering, or other serious crimes. Under threat of legal action, arrest, or asset seizure, victims were coerced into complying with the fraudsters’ demands.
To further the scam, the accused convinced victims that their money needed to be “secured” or “verified” to avoid confiscation. As a result, victims were manipulated into transferring funds into cryptocurrency wallets and overseas bank accounts controlled by the syndicate. The CBI confirmed that these fraudulent operations were carried out between 2022 and 2025.
The agency registered the case on December 9 and moved swiftly to identify the individuals involved. Acting on real-time intelligence, CBI officials intercepted the accused while they were actively operating the illegal call centre in Noida. The facility was immediately shut down, and six key members of the network were arrested on the spot.
Investigators revealed that the syndicate used complex financial routes involving virtual digital assets and layered bank transfers to conceal the origin and movement of the stolen money, making financial tracking more challenging. However, the cash recoveries and digital evidence seized during the raids are expected to play a crucial role in mapping the full extent of the network and strengthening the prosecution’s case.
In its statement, the CBI said it is working closely with Interpol and international law enforcement agencies to identify the broader structure of the organised, technology-enabled crime network. The agency noted that the operation has significantly disrupted and dismantled a major transnational cyber-financial crime syndicate.
Authorities have also indicated that further investigations are underway to trace additional proceeds of crime and identify other collaborators, both within India and abroad. The CBI confirmed that the probe is ongoing and that more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.
