CBI Exposes Elaborate Network
In a year-long investigation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) uncovered a sophisticated and intricate network involving foreign elements that defrauded Indians of hundreds of crores by enticing them with job offers, loans, and fraudulent investment schemes. This operation utilized a complex web of UPI accounts, cryptocurrency transactions, and international money transfers. The CBI recently conducted raids at various locations associated with the suspects after analyzing the money trail.
Significantly, the CBI’s investigation revealed the involvement of 137 shell companies, many of which were registered with the Registrar of Companies in Bengaluru, along with their directors. Some of these directors had connections to a Bengaluru-based payout merchant.
Investigation Origins
The CBI’s investigation, part of Operation Chakra-II, commenced in 2022, based on various inputs, including information provided by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Union Home Ministry.
Operational Tactics
The fraudsters leveraged social media platforms, advertisement portals, encrypted chat applications, and SMS to lure victims with promises of loans, part-time jobs, and investments in Ponzi schemes and multi-level marketing initiatives.
Fund Luring and Laundering
Victims were enticed to deposit funds through UPI by promising high returns. The ill-gotten money was then laundered through a complex network of UPI accounts, eventually converging into cryptocurrency or gold purchases using falsified credentials.
Shell Companies
The investigation identified 137 shell companies engaged in fraudulent activities, many of which were registered in Bengaluru. After intensive scrutiny, the directors of these companies were identified, and some were found to have connections with a Bengaluru-based payout merchant.
Money Flow
The payout merchant had control over approximately 16 bank accounts through which ₹357 crore was funneled, and the funds were subsequently transferred to various accounts. Searches in Bengaluru, Cochin, and Gurgaon yielded substantial evidence, shedding light on the activities of the shell companies’ directors.
Foreign Connections
The accused were also linked to a foreign national. During the investigation of two chartered accountants from Bengaluru, who allegedly altered directorships and contact information associated with the shell companies, searches were conducted at their premises.
Foreign National Involvement
These searches led to the recovery of documents, email communications, and WhatsApp chats, which revealed the alleged role of the chartered accountants in facilitating the foreign national’s involvement in the fraud.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge as the CBI continues its efforts to bring those involved to justice.
