The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has shut down over 100 websites involved in illegal investments and part-time job scams, as per reports.
These platforms reportedly catering to fraudulent investment schemes and deceptive part-time employment offers, were uncovered as being operated by foreign entities. Leveraging digital advertising, chat platforms, and borrowed or leased accounts, these websites were actively involved in carrying out their illicit activities.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in accordance with the Information Technology Act of 2000, has taken decisive action by blocking these identified websites. Their involvement in perpetuating organized illegal investments and promoting deceptive part-time job opportunities was confirmed via an official statement released by the authorities.
The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), an integral division of the National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU) within the Union Home Ministry, spearheaded the identification and subsequent recommendation to block these websites. Investigations revealed their engagement in deceitful investment ploys and part-time job hoaxes.
Utilizing powers granted under the Information Technology Act, MeitY promptly executed the blocking of these websites based on I4C's recommendation. These platforms, managed by overseas individuals, exploited digital advertisement channels, chat platforms, and leased accounts to perpetrate their illicit endeavors. The statement further emphasized that the profits from these unlawful activities were funneled out of India through diverse channels such as card networks, cryptocurrencies, overseas ATM withdrawals, and international financial technology firms.
The I4C, established by the Home Ministry, is dedicated to combating cybercrimes in the country and orchestrating comprehensive strategies to tackle such illegal ventures.
Earlier in November, MeitY had issued orders to block 22 illicit betting apps and websites, including Mahadev Book, which had sparked a political controversy in the run-up to the elections in Chhattisgarh.
These actions were a result of an investigation conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against an illegal betting app syndicate, culminating in raids on Mahadev Book in Chhattisgarh. The investigations brought to light the alleged unlawful operations of the app.
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