Cybercrime Investigation Uncovers Widespread CCTV Hacking
Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has arrested three more individuals in connection with the viral CCTV footage case, where hackers accessed and sold surveillance videos from hospitals, malls, and public spaces.
Accused Involved in Hacking and Selling Footage
Among the arrested, Parit Dhameliya from Surat was responsible for hacking the CCTV cameras of Payal Hospital in Rajkot. Ryan Robin Parera from Maharashtra hacked hospital surveillance systems and sold the footage on Telegram, while Vaibhav Bandu Mane, also from Maharashtra, partnered with Prajwal Taili to market the Telegram channel.
Over 50,000 CCTV Cameras Breached
Investigations revealed that in the past nine months, the accused hacked footage from over 50,000 CCTV cameras and monetized them through Telegram. One suspect remains absconding, and authorities are actively pursuing him.
An official from the Ahmedabad Crime Branch stated that the accused learned hacking techniques from Telegram groups about a year ago and used specific software tools to exploit vulnerable CCTV systems.
International Links Under Investigation
The hackers initially learned their skills from YouTube and Telegram and later connected with larger hacking groups. However, many of these groups and IDs have since been deleted, making tracking difficult.
Authorities discovered that some IP addresses linked to the case originated from Romania, and a suspicious Instagram account with hospital footage was traced to Bangladesh. A Bangladeshi mobile number was also identified, suggesting that the leaked videos were being sold internationally.
Hackers Earned Lakhs by Selling Footage
The group reportedly earned ₹5–6 lakh by selling sensitive CCTV videos. Their focus was on locations with high demand, such as hospitals and private spaces. Out of 50,000–60,000 hacked videos, only 5–10 were considered valuable and put up for sale.
Police Seek Response from Telegram
Authorities have written to Telegram, requesting action against the channels involved. Police have also seized laptops, mobile phones, and hard drives from the accused, with further arrests expected as the investigation progresses.
