The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), based on inputs received from the United States, has cracked down on cybercrime networks involving online child sexual exploitation with international linkages.

The agency’s International Operations Division had earlier registered a case against Mukul Saini, a resident of Delhi. As alleged, during 2023-24, he operated through social media platform “Discord” via IDs “Izumi#9412”, “Izumi#7070”, “Deadddd#6873” and “Arisu” and engaged in online chats with a minor girl from the U.S.

“During chats, the accused induced the minor girl to engage in sexualised chats with him and to share her obscene images/videos with him. The accused also intimidated the minor victim to continue sharing her obscene images/videos, on the threat that he would otherwise make her obscene images/videos viral on the Internet,” said an official.

After registering the case, the agency conducted searches at various locations in Delhi linked to the accused and seized evidence.

In another case, the CBI booked one Sheik Muizz Ahmed, a resident of Mangalore, who operated through social media platform “Discord” under the username “heisenberg7343” and engaged in online chats with a minor girl from the U.S. during March 2024.

“During chats, the accused induced the minor girl to engage in sexualised chats with him, and he further induced/enticed her to share her obscene images/videos with him over the said platform. The accused also intimidated the minor victim to engage in obscene sexual activities online,” said the agency, adding that he was arrested.