India Targets Microsoft, Amazon Tech Support Scammers in Nationwide Crackdown

India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted raids at 76 locations across the country as part of Operation Chakra-II, targeting cybercrime operations involved in tech support scams and cryptocurrency fraud. The operation was carried out in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies and tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon. The CBI confiscated various devices, including mobile phones and laptops, and froze bank accounts linked to the alleged scam operations. The raids uncovered two tech support scam operations impersonating Microsoft and Amazon customer support, targeting over 2,000 customers worldwide. The CBI also uncovered a cryptocurrency fraud ring that defrauded Indian nationals of approximately $12m. The scammers created a fake cryptocurrency token and promised significant profits to investors. The investigation identified multiple accounts and shell companies used to collect illegally obtained funds. The CBI plans to share details with international law enforcement agencies to dismantle these criminal networks. Both Microsoft and Amazon expressed their commitment to combating tech support fraud and protecting consumers from impersonation scams.