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Japanese Citizens Duped By Fake ‘Microsoft' Calls: CBI Arrests 6 In Raids Across Delhi, Haryana, UP
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The gang tricked Japanese citizens by calling them with fake virus alerts, then charged money for bogus tech support services claiming to fix non-existent issues
In a significant breakthrough, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in collaboration with Japan's National Police Agency and Microsoft, has uncovered a major cyber fraud syndicate. Dubbed Operation Chakra-V, it resulted in the arrest of six individuals following raids at 19 locations across Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The gang had been defrauding Japanese citizens through a fake call centre.
The arrested suspects include Ashu Singh from Delhi, Kapil Khakhar from Haryana's Panipat, Rohit Maurya from Ayodhya, and Shubham Jaiswal, Vivek Raj and Adarsh Kumar from Varanasi. These individuals were part of an organised cybercrime network, deceiving Japanese citizens by impersonating representatives from the renowned software company, Microsoft.
According to the CBI, the gang would contact Japanese citizens and intimidate them with claims of alleged technical faults in their digital and electronic devices. They then extorted money by offering fake technical support services. The fraudulent scheme employed social engineering and technical deception, making it easier to dupe the victims.
On May 28, the CBI, alongside Japan's National Police Agency and Microsoft, conducted simultaneous raids at 19 locations in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. This operation led to the dismantling of two fake call centres and the seizure of crucial evidence, including laptops, mobile phones and other digital devices.
The gang's modus operandi involved scaring Japanese citizens through phone calls and convincing them of supposed viruses or technical issues in their devices. They then charged for bogus technical support, leveraging the trusted name of Microsoft. The money obtained through these fraudulent activities was laundered through money mule accounts, making it difficult to trace.
The international cooperation between the CBI, Japan's National Police Agency, and Microsoft was instrumental in identifying the gang's hideouts and exposing its entire operational structure. The CBI emphasised that this operation reflects improved coordination between Indian and foreign agencies in tackling global cyber threats.
All six arrested individuals face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. The CBI noted that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts to identify other suspects linked to this network.
First Published:
May 29, 2025, 19:00 IST
