Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), on the basis of inputs received from Operation Hawk, launched by the US, has taken swift action to successfully dismantle the cybercrime networks involving online child sexual exploitation with international linkages. International Operations Division of CBI registered a case against Sheik Muizz Ahmed under Section 506 of Indian Penal Code, Section 66D of Information Technology Act, 2000, and Section 12 read with Section 11 of POCSO Act, 2012.
CBI’s ‘Operation Hawk’
Why In News
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), on the basis of inputs received from Operation Hawk, launched by the US, has taken swift action to successfully dismantle the cybercrime networks involving online child sexual exploitation with international linkages. International Operations Division of CBI registered a case against Sheik Muizz Ahmed under Section 506 of Indian Penal Code, Section 66D of Information Technology Act, 2000, and Section 12 read with Section 11 of POCSO Act, 2012.
Operation Hawk
- Launched By: CBI’s International Operations Division.
- Objectives: Dismantle organized cyber networks targeting minors online. Strengthen international cooperation in combating cyber-pedophilia and child abuse. Ensure swift response to foreign complaints involving Indian citizens.
- Enhance digital forensics and cross-border evidence collection.
- Key Features:
- Cross-border Coordination: Works with global agencies including the FBI, Interpol, and local cybersecurity units.
- Targeted Action: Focuses on CSAM trafficking, sexual extortion (sextortion), and intimidation of minors.
- Robust Investigation: Involves multi-location raids, digital seizure, and legal action under IPC, IT Act, and POCSO.
- Precedent-Based Expansion: Builds on experience from earlier anti-CSAM operations.
- Previous Similar Operations by CBI:
- Operation CARBON (2021): Targeted the dark web users sharing CSAM across global platforms.
- Operation MEGH CHAKRA (2022): Conducted pan-India raids, based on Interpol inputs; resulted in large-scale digital seizures and arrests.
Arrest of Sheikh Muizz Ahmed
- “During March 2024, accused Sheikh Muizz Ahmed, a resident of Mangaluru, operated through social media platform ‘Discord’ under the username “heisenberg7343” and engaged in online chats with a minor girl from the USA. The accused induced the minor girl to engage in sexual chats with him and he further enticed her to share her obscene images, videos with him over the said platform,” said a release. The accused also allegedly intimidated the minor victim to engage in obscene sexual activities online.
- Following the case, the CBI conducted extensive searches at various locations in Mumbai and Mangaluru linked to the accused, allegedly leading to the recovery of electronic devices including mobile phone and laptop which contained Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), obtained by the accused from the minor girl victim by way of inducement. Accused Shiekh Muizz Ahmed was arrested by CBI and sent to judicial custody.
Mukul Saini Booked
- International Operations Division of the CBI registered another case against Mukul Saini under Section 506 of Indian Penal Code as well as Section 67 of Information Technology Act, 2000 and Section 12 read with Sections 11 and 15 of POCSO Act, 2012 and launched an investigation. During the period 2023-2024, accused Mukul Saini, a resident of Delhi, operated through social media platforms ‘Discord’ and ‘Arisu’ and chatted online with a minor girl from the US.
- “During chats, the accused induced the minor girl to engage in sexualized chats with him and share her obscene images/videos with him over the said platform. Accused also intimidated the minor victim to continue sharing her obscene images, videos, otherwise he will make her obscene images, videos viral on the internet.
- Following the registration of the case, the CBI conducted extensive searches at various locations in Delhi linked to the accused, leading to the recovery of electronic devices, mobile phones, and hard disks containing incriminating digital evidence relating to the case,” added the release.
- Earlier, the CBI had launched Operation Carbon in 2021 and Operation Megh Chakra in 2022 as part of its efforts for rapid response to online child sexual exploitation cases with international linkages as well as to trace the accused, suspects, and conspirators located across international jurisdictions, requiring a globally coordinated law enforcement response.
Key Findings Of The Study On Online Child Abuse
- The Prevalence of Abuse: It highlights that one in 12 children globally (approximately 8.3%) has experienced online sexual abuse in the last decade.
- Types of Exploitation: The study identified several subtypes of online sexual abuse, including online solicitation involving sexual inquiries/conversations (12.5%), non-consensual image sharing (12.6%), online sexual exploitation (4.7%), and sexual extortion (3.5%).
- Gender Dynamics: There is no significant difference in online abuse rates between boys and girls, challenging earlier beliefs that girls are more vulnerable.
- This suggests changing online environments and behaviors, with increasing risks for boys.
- Mental Health Implications: The report links online sexual exploitation to severe mental and physical health consequences for victims, including lower life expectancy and reduced employment prospects.
