New Delhi, Nov,23:  In a significant breakthrough, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully dismantled a major cybercrime module involved in coercing foreign nationals for illicit payments. Under 'Operation Chakra 1,' the CBI conducted searches at 24 locations across various states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Gujarat.

The operation, triggered by an investigation launched on July 7 last year, revealed that the group, allegedly led by Sushil Sachdeva and associates, targeted unsuspecting foreigners through fraudulent schemes. Exploiting tech support claims, the criminals defrauded foreign nationals on a large scale.

The accused operated multiple call centers in India, utilizing the services of a Gujarat-based VOIP company to orchestrate millions of fraudulent calls primarily targeting US citizens. Impersonating officials from renowned US federal departments or agencies, the modus operandi involved coercing victims into making payments under the pretense of fees, fines, or penalties.

The searches yielded significant evidence, including cash amounting to Rs 2.2 crore, foreign currency, cryptocurrency accounts, and property papers. The CBI's initial investigations in October 2022 focused on 11 such call centers or entities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) collaborated with the CBI, revealing that the accused faced indictments in the USA for similar fraudulent activities against US citizens.