International Alliance Dismantles Major Tech Support Scam Targeting Japanese Citizens

In a significant international crackdown, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in collaboration with Microsoft and Japanese authorities, has dismantled a sophisticated tech support scam targeting Japanese citizens. Operation Chakra V led to the arrest of six key operatives and the closure of two illegal call centers in India, which had defrauded victims of over 2.03 crore Japanese Yen by impersonating legitimate tech support from companies like Microsoft and Apple.

International Collaboration Leads to Major Bust

This successful operation highlights the growing effectiveness of international cooperation in combating cybercrime. The CBI worked closely with the National Police Agency of Japan and Microsoft Corporation, whose technical support was crucial in identifying the perpetrators and mapping the syndicate's intricate operational structure. This partnership enabled a coordinated response that led to the arrests and the disruption of a significant transnational criminal enterprise.

Modus Operandi of the Scam

The cybercrime syndicate operated illegal call centers, masquerading as legitimate customer service hubs. Their primary tactic involved:

• Impersonation: Fraudsters posed as technical support personnel from reputable companies, including Microsoft and Apple.

• Deception: Victims, primarily Japanese citizens, were convinced that their electronic devices were compromised with viruses or other issues.

• Coercion: Under the guise of providing essential tech support or security services, victims were coerced into transferring funds into mule accounts.

• Fund Laundering: The ill-gotten gains were often converted into cryptocurrency and routed through multiple wallets to obscure their origin.

Arrests and Raids

On May 28, 2025, coordinated searches were conducted at 19 locations across Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The operation resulted in the arrest of six individuals:

• Ashu Singh (Delhi)

• Kapil Ghakhar (Panipat, Haryana)

• Rohit Maurya (Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh)

• Shubham Jaiswal (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)

• Vivek Raj (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)

• Adarsh Kumari (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)

During the raids, substantial digital and physical evidence was seized, confirming the large-scale nature of the syndicate's operations. Preliminary analysis revealed the extensive use of advanced social engineering techniques and technical subterfuge to manipulate victims.

CBI's Commitment to Combating Cybercrime

Operation Chakra V is part of the CBI's ongoing efforts under 'Operation Chakra' to combat cyber-enabled financial crimes with international dimensions. A CBI spokesperson reiterated the agency's commitment to tackling evolving cyber threats, stating, "Operations like Chakra V underline the agency's resolve to bring cybercriminals to justice and safeguard citizens across borders from digital exploitation." The Bureau continues to strengthen its capabilities in cybercrime detection, investigation, and prosecution through collaboration with both domestic and international stakeholders.

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Sources

• CBI Busts Transnational Tech Support Scam Targeting Japanese, Six Arrested THE NEW INDIAN - cbi buststransnational tech support scam targeting japanese six arrested, The New Indian.

• CBI busts transnational scam that posed as tech support to cheat Japanese citizens, The New Indian Express.

• International Cybercrime Ring Dismantled in India; Six Arrested for Defrauding Japanese Nationals, Devdiscourse.

• 4 from UP among 6 arrested by CBI for targeting Japanese citizens in tech support scam | Lucknow News, Times of India.

• CBI Busts Transnational Cybercrime Ring Targeting Japanese Citizens By Conducting Raids At 19 Locations; 6Arrested, Free Press Journal.