The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully extradited Angad Singh Chandhok, a 34-year-old Indian national, from the United States, marking a significant step in its pursuit of justice in a multi-million dollar international cybercrime case. Chandhok was convicted in the US for orchestrating an elaborate tech support scam that defrauded elderly American citizens, primarily by impersonating legitimate technology service providers and tricking victims into transferring money.

A Web of Fraud and Deception

According to court documents and statements released by the US Department of Justice, Angad Singh Chandhok operated from California and maintained control over a complex money laundering operation. He used shell companies to disguise and reroute stolen funds, working closely with a team of at least five individuals. These collaborators included Indian students in the US, especially those residing in Newport, Rhode Island, who were found to be conduits for the fraudulently obtained funds.

The scam primarily involved tech support fraud, wherein victims were convinced that their devices were compromised and required immediate paid services. Chandhok and his team created the illusion of urgency and trust by mimicking reputable technology service providers. Once victims transferred money for the fake services, the funds were routed through multiple channels, ending up in accounts under Chandhok’s control. Over time, this extended to travel-related scams as well.

Conviction and Sentencing in the US

Chandhok pleaded guilty on August 19, 2019, to conspiracy to launder criminal proceeds. Evidence presented during the trial highlighted the scope and scale of his operation. In just one month, Chandhok laundered close to $930,000, with total proceeds reaching at least $1.5 million over two years. Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. of the US District Court for the District of Rhode Island sentenced him to 72 months (6 years) in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

The Department of Justice confirmed that Chandhok was an international fugitive at the time of his offenses, wanted in India for fraud, which only added to the gravity of his conviction. His coordination with international criminal operatives suggested that he was not only a key facilitator but also a central node in a global fraud and money laundering nexus.

CBI’s Persistent Pursuit and Legal Coordination

Following his conviction, the CBI initiated formal extradition proceedings, leveraging mutual legal assistance treaties and working closely with US federal agencies. The extradition took a prolonged legal route, reflective of the complexity and diplomatic sensitivity often involved in cross-border law enforcement cooperation.

Now back in India, Chandhok has been placed under CBI custody. He will be produced before a competent Indian court, where the CBI is expected to seek custodial remand for continued interrogation. The objective is to delve deeper into the extent of his criminal network, especially those individuals and entities based in India that may have helped facilitate the fraud or benefit from it.

Tech Support Scams and Elderly Victim Targeting

The modus operandi used by Chandhok and his associates is part of a broader trend that has been increasingly targeting vulnerable senior citizens in Western countries. These scams typically involve fake alerts about virus infections, compromised data, or critical system errors. The elderly, less familiar with digital threats, are often coerced into paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for "services" they never needed.

Chandhok’s operation stood out not just for its scale, but also for its sophistication—funneling money through a mix of fake companies, forged documents, and digital aliases, making it hard for authorities to immediately trace the origin and destination of the stolen funds.

Implications for India’s Fight Against Cybercrime

With cybercrime on the rise, India has found itself grappling with increasing instances of domestic individuals participating in international fraud rings. The successful extradition of Angad Singh Chandhok marks an important precedent. It not only demonstrates the effectiveness of international cooperation in criminal justice, but also signals the CBI’s intent to crack down on Indians involved in cybercrime abroad.

In recent years, India has strengthened its international treaties and intelligence-sharing frameworks with countries like the United States, Canada, and the UK to combat transnational cybercrime. This case underlines the mutual resolve of both Indian and US authorities to clamp down on financial fraud and protect vulnerable populations.

Chandhok's Network: The Need for a Wider Probe

The CBI is now set to unravel the broader ecosystem that supported Chandhok. His use of Indian students, and the routing of funds through multiple nations, suggests an intricate web involving collaborators in banking, tech, and possibly even legal sectors. Indian enforcement agencies may now turn their attention to bank accounts, companies, and digital footprints left behind in India, especially in financial hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

The agency has also indicated that Interpol red corner notices may be issued for other suspected operatives in Chandhok’s ring who may still be operating from India or abroad.

Conclusion: A Message to Fraudsters

The extradition of Angad Singh Chandhok is not just a victory for the CBI, but a stern warning to individuals operating from Indian soil and engaging in cyber fraud across borders. The message is clear: no matter where you hide, the law will catch up.

As cybercrime evolves in complexity and global reach, this case reinforces the urgency for stronger cybersecurity laws, cross-border intelligence sharing, and enhanced surveillance of financial transactions and digital fraud indicators. The government’s focus is now on preventive frameworks, international cooperation, and ensuring that India doesn’t become a hub for white-collar cybercrime.

With Angad Singh Chandhok now under Indian custody, all eyes are on the next steps—interrogations, court proceedings, and possibly new revelations about the cybercrime world that continues to pose challenges to law enforcement globally.

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