CBI demolishes child sexual abuse and exploitation network as part of operation Hawke 2025

Prior to Operation Hawk, CBI launched Operation Carbon in 2021 and launched Operation Megh Chakra in 2022 as part of its rapid response to online cases of child sexual exploitation with international connections. |Picture source: Getty Images/Istockphoto

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is based on the input of the U.S.-launched Operation Hawk, which has taken swift action to successfully dismantle cybercrime networks involving online child sexual exploitation and international ties.

CBI International Operations Department conducted a case against Sheik Muizz Ahmed under Article 506 of the Indian Criminal Law Act, Article 66d, 2000, Article 12 and Article 11 of the POCSO Act, 2012.

Arrest Sheikh Muizz Ahmed

In March 2024, Mangaluru resident Sheikh Muizz Ahmed was accused of operating through the social media platform “Discord” under the username “Heisenberg7343″ and chatting online with a minor in the United States. The defendant tempted the underage girl to have sex with him and had sex with him and shared her obscene images with her and released an obscene image on her obscene image, ””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””’

The defendant also allegedly intimidated the victims of minors to engage in obscene sexual activities online.

Following the case, the CBI conducted extensive searches in Mumbai and Mangaluru in connection with the defendants, allegedly resulting in the recovery of electronic devices, including cell phones and laptops, containing child sexual abuse materials ((CSAM), an inducement obtained by the defendant from the victims of minor girls. Shiekh Muizz Ahmed, who was accused, was arrested by the CBI and sent to judicial custody.

Mukul Saini booked

The CBI’s international operations department conducted another case on Mukul Saini and initiated an investigation under Article 11 and 15 of the 2012 Pocso Act under Article 506 of the Indian Penal Code and Articles 67 and Section 12 of the Information Technology Act of 2000.

During the period 2023-2024, alleged Delhi resident Mukul Saini operated through social media platforms “Discord” and “Arisu” and chatted online with underage girls from the United States.

During the chat, the defendant lured the underage girl to have sex with him and shared her obscene images/videos with him on the above platform. The defendant also scared himed the victim to continue sharing her obscene images, videos, otherwise he would promote her obscene images on the internet, viral on the internet. The charges of devices, cell phones and hard drives containing digital evidence related to the case. ” the version added.

Previously, CBI launched the Carbon Operation in 2021 and operated Megh Chakra in 2022 as part of its rapid response to online child sexual exploitation cases that have international ties and tracked defendants, suspects and conspirators in international jurisdictions that require globally coordinated law enforcement personnel.