CBI Arrests Key Accused in Transnational Cybercrime Syndicate Targeting Japanese Citizens

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made a significant breakthrough in its investigation into a transnational cybercrime syndicate targeting Japanese citizens through fraudulent tech support scams. Dwibendu Moharana, a key accused, was arrested at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar upon his return to India. Investigations revealed that Moharana operated an illegal call centre involved in sophisticated social engineering and deception, impersonating support personnel from multinational companies to coerce Japanese victims into transferring funds under false pretenses.

Key Takeaways:

• The CBI arrested Dwibendu Moharana, a key accused in a transnational cybercrime syndicate targeting Japanese citizens, at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar on his return to India.
• Investigations revealed that Moharana operated an illegal call centre involved in sophisticated social engineering and deception, impersonating support personnel from multinational companies to coerce Japanese victims into transferring funds under false pretenses.
• The CBI has arrested seven individuals in this case and filed charge sheets against all, with six operatives being arrested in May 2023.
• The operation was carried out with close cooperation from the National Police Agency of Japan and Microsoft Corporation, significantly disrupting the syndicate's operations.
• Moharana was brought to Delhi on a transit warrant and produced before the designated CBI Court, who remanded him to custody for three days for custodial interrogation.

Statistics:

• 7 individuals arrested in this case
• 19 locations across Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh searched in May 2025
• 6 operatives arrested in May 2025
• 1 key accused, Dwibendu Moharana, arrested at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar

Sources:

• File No. [Not Provided]
• Published by HT Digital Content Services
• United News of India