CBI–FBI joint crackdown busts $40 million tech-support scam targeting US nationals

New Delhi,UPDATED: Aug 28, 2025 04:11 IST

In a major law enforcement breakthrough, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), working closely with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has dismantled a transnational tech-support cybercrime syndicate that defrauded US nationals of nearly USD 40 million (approx. Rs 350 crore) through elaborate tech-support scams.

The US Embassy in India hailed the development as “a big week for U.S.–India law enforcement collaboration,” highlighting the success of shared intelligence and coordinated operations between the two countries. “Through joint action, both our agencies are working to dismantle international networks, prevent future scams, and ensure the safety of our citizens,” the Embassy stated in a post on X, expressing gratitude for CBI’s partnership.

The crackdown, executed under Operation Chakra-IV, exposed a call centre named “Digikaps – The Future of Digital”, located in Global Tower, opposite Khalsa College of Women in Amritsar. Raids were conducted in Amritsar and Delhi starting August 20, leading to the arrest of three key operatives—Jigar Ahmed, Yash Khurana, and Inder Jeet Singh Bali—and the seizure of Rs 54 lakh in cash, eight mobile phones, laptops, 85 hard drives, and other digital evidence. In total, 34 individuals were apprehended during the operation.

According to the CBI, the accused conspired between 2023 and 2025 to gain unauthorized remote access to victims’ computers and bank accounts, misleading them into believing their finances were compromised. They then manipulated victims into transferring funds into cryptocurrency wallets controlled by the syndicate.

The investigation revealed a complex web of digital manipulation and financial subterfuge extending from Punjab to Washington, D.C. The probe into the broader network, proceeds of crime, and international links remains ongoing, with Interpol and other foreign law enforcement agencies assisting in the process.

This enforcement action comes shortly after the U.S. Embassy issued a series of advisories in July, cautioning foreign visitors about strict U.S. laws, warning that visas could be revoked for crimes such as assault, theft, or fraud committed in the United States. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated the importance of Indians abroad respecting local laws to maintain a positive image of the country.

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With inputs from ANI