What is operation Megha Chakra?

One of the major global operations run by the CBI in recent times, Operation 'Megha Chakra' is a rapid response to internationally linked online child sexual exploitation and organized cyber financial crime.

The CBI Central Bureau of Investigation today conducted searches at 56 locations in 20 States and Union Territories in connection with cases of child sexual abuse material circulating online as part of Operation Megha Chakra.

After receiving information from Interpol and intelligence obtained during last year's Operation Carbon, searches were conducted against peddlers of child sexual abuse material on the Internet using cloud storage.

Operation Carbon was carried out by CBI in November 2021 when 76 locations were raided across the country and several people were arrested.

What is Megha Chakra

The operation is aimed at cloud storage, hence the code name 'Megha Chakra', used by street vendors to circulate audiovisual material about illicit sexual activities with minors.

One of the major global operations run by the CBI in recent times, Operation 'Megha Chakra' is a rapid response to internationally linked online child sexual exploitation and organized cyber financial crime.

This Operation deals with a case in which the victims, defendants, suspects and co-conspirators are located in global jurisdictions. This has required an internationally coordinated police response.

Why named as Operation Megha Chakra

The operation, codenamed "Megh Chakra", was carried out following input received from Interpol's special unit in Singapore based on information received from New Zealand authorities.

The name of the operation derives from its goal: cloud storage, which is used to circulate material online. Hence the code name 'Megha Chakra'. CSAM street vendors across India have been hit by the CBI, which was also the first law enforcement agency in India to set up a cybercrime unit.

Based on preliminary scrutiny, "the presence of a large amount of CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) on various electronic devices" has allegedly been revealed in the recovered electronic devices.

"The operation will collect information from law enforcement agencies in India, engage with agencies globally, and closely coordinate through Interpol channels to combat online child sexual exploitation and organized cybercriminal activity," the agency said.

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