The Union Home Ministry in India has blocked over 100 websites involved in organized illegal investments and task-based part-time job frauds. Operated by overseas actors, these websites were identified and recommended for blocking by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), a wing of the Union Home Ministry. The National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU), part of I4C, identified the websites engaged in economic crimes related to organized illegal investments and task-based part-time job frauds.
Operational Details and Illicit Activities
The websites in question facilitated organized illegal investments through task-based activities and were operated by overseas actors. Illicit activities included the use of digital advertisements, chat messengers, and rented accounts. The perpetrators were found to launder proceeds from large-scale economic frauds out of India using methods such as card networks, cryptocurrencies, overseas ATM withdrawals, and international Fintech companies.
Blocking Action by MeitY
Following the identification and recommendation by the NCTAU, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) exercised its authority under the Information Technology Act, 2000, to block these websites. This action is part of India’s efforts to combat cybercrimes and protect citizens from online frauds and scams.
The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) is an initiative of the Home Ministry designed to address cybercrimes in the country in a coordinated and comprehensive manner. Through its National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit, the I4C plays a vital role in identifying and countering various cyber threats, including those related to illegal investments, job frauds, and other economic crimes.
The involvement of overseas actors in operating these websites underscores the global nature of cyber threats. Cybercriminals often leverage digital platforms and technologies to conduct illicit activities that transcend national borders. Effective collaboration and information sharing among countries become crucial in tackling such transnational cybercrimes. India’s efforts to block these websites align with its commitment to enhancing cybersecurity and protecting citizens from online frauds and scams.
