CBI Busts Noida-Based Cybercrime Syndicate That Defrauded US Nationals of $8.5 Million

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has dismantled a sophisticated cybercrime network operating out of Noida that allegedly cheated United States nationals of nearly $8.5 million through an elaborate online fraud scheme. Acting on intelligence shared by American law enforcement agencies, the CBI carried out coordinated raids across multiple locations, leading to the arrest of six key suspects and the seizure of large sums of cash and digital evidence.

According to investigators, the transnational syndicate ran a fraudulent call centre that targeted victims in the United States by impersonating officials from American government agencies. The accused allegedly posed as representatives of federal authorities, warning victims that their identities or Social Security numbers had been linked to criminal activities such as money laundering or drug trafficking. Victims were threatened with arrest, asset seizure and legal action unless they followed the instructions given by the callers.

To create a sense of urgency and fear, the fraudsters allegedly used spoofed phone numbers, fake credentials and scripted conversations. Victims were convinced that transferring their money was necessary to “secure” their assets during the so-called investigation. Many were instructed to move funds into cryptocurrency wallets or overseas bank accounts controlled by the syndicate, making the transactions difficult to trace. The illegal operation is believed to have been active for several years, with investigators estimating that the group siphoned off millions of dollars between 2022 and 2025. The syndicate reportedly focused on vulnerable individuals, including elderly citizens, who were more likely to comply with the demands made during the deceptive calls.

The CBI registered a case earlier this month and launched searches at premises in Noida, Delhi and Kolkata. During the raids, officials recovered approximately ₹1.88 crore in cash, along with dozens of electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops and storage equipment. These devices are expected to provide crucial leads on the network’s financial transactions, communication channels and potential accomplices.

Officials said the arrested individuals played different roles within the operation, ranging from call centre operators to technical handlers and money mules responsible for routing and laundering the proceeds. The agency is now working to trace the full money trail and identify other members of the network, including those who may be operating from overseas locations.

The case forms part of a broader crackdown on organised cyber-enabled financial crimes under the CBI’s ongoing anti-cybercrime drive. Investigators stressed that international cooperation was critical in uncovering the network and preventing further losses to victims abroad. The CBI said further arrests and recoveries are likely as the investigation progresses, underscoring India’s commitment to combating cross-border cyber fraud and protecting global financial security.