Union Home Ministry halts 100+ overseas-operated fraudulent websites: Cybercrime crackdown

In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Union Home Ministry has taken action against a network of over 100 websites involved in orchestrating illegal investments and deceptive part-time job schemes. These websites, reportedly operated by overseas entities, were identified and subsequently blocked by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Information Technology Act of 2000.

According to official statements, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), a unit under the National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU) within the Home Ministry, unearthed the fraudulent activities of these websites. They were found to be perpetrating fraudulent investment schemes and deceptive part-time job offers, prompting the swift blocking action.

The modus operandi of these platforms, managed by individuals abroad, involved leveraging digital advertisements, messaging platforms, and rented accounts to carry out their illicit operations.

Moreover, it was revealed that the proceeds from these illicit activities were being funneled out of India through various channels, including card networks, cryptocurrencies, overseas ATM withdrawals, and international fintech companies.

The I4C, an integral initiative by the Home Ministry, aims to combat cybercrimes effectively by coordinating extensive measures against such illegal activities within the country.

This recent move follows earlier actions taken by MeitY on November 5, wherein 22 illegal betting apps and websites were also blocked. Among them was Mahadev Book, a platform embroiled in a political controversy in Chhattisgarh ahead of the state elections. Investigations conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into an illegal betting app syndicate led to raids on Mahadev Book, uncovering alleged unlawful operations.

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