How Ahmedabad Cybercrime cracked nationwide CCTV hacking racket

• Three youths arrested from Latur and Sangli in Maharashtra and Bhins near Prayagraj

• International hackers from Romania, Atlanta helped them hack CCTV footage from malls, public places, hospitals

• CCTV footage from hospitals, including Payal Maternity Home & Surgical Hospital in Rajkot, hacked and shared on YouTube, Telegram for a price

• Mall footage price: ₹800 to ₹1,200, Gynaec and injection procedures footage price: ₹4,000

In a major breakthrough, the Cybercrime branch of Ahmedabad has arrested three youths from Latur and Sangli in Maharashtra and Bhins near Prayagraj for their involvement in hacking and circulating CCTV footage from hospitals, including Payal Maternity Home & Surgical Hospital in Rajkot, on social media platforms such as YouTube and Telegram.

CCTV hacking across India

During preliminary investigations, the accused confessed to hacking CCTV footage from hospitals across cities in India. They then sold these recordings via Telegram channels. It was also discovered that international hackers from Romania and Atlanta aided them in the hacking process.

Selling footage for profit

The hacked footage was sold on Telegram for prices ranging from ₹800 to ₹4,000. Ahmedabad Cybercrime Branch's Joint Commissioner of Police Sharad Singh revealed that an extensive technical analysis of IP addresses and social media channels led to the arrests of Prajwal Ashok Taili (Latur), Praj Rajendra Patil (Sangli), and Chandraprakash Phulchand (Prayagraj). Five special teams were formed to conduct the operation, leading to the seizure of hard disks, mobile phones, bank accounts, laptops, and computers.

 Key roles of the accused

- Prajwal Ashok Taili – The mastermind who collaborated with Romanian and Atlanta-based hackers to hack hospitals, shopping malls, and public place CCTVs.

- Praj Rajendra Patil – Managed Telegram subscriptions and received payments.

- Chandraprakash Phulchand – Uploaded hacked videos on YouTube and provided links to Telegram buyers.

The police teams are bringing the accused to Ahmedabad, where they will be remanded for further interrogation.

International nexus and financial gains

Investigations have revealed that the accused used multiple Telegram channels as their primary source of income. Raj Patil received funds online and transferred them to Prajwal, accumulating crores of rupees in the past year, some of which were reportedly shared with foreign hackers.

Possibility of foreign hackers having Indian CCTV footage

According to police sources, the accused were assisted by Romanian and Atlanta-based hackers, raising concerns that Indian hospitals’ CCTV footage may have been shared internationally.

Rajkot hospital hack timeline

The Rajkot Payal Maternity Home CCTV system was hacked in early January 2025. The accused had initiated hacking attempts in December 2024 and successfully accessed the system within 10 days. They downloaded and edited the footage, selling it at varying prices.

Round-the-clock operation by Cybercrime branch

Ahmedabad Cybercrime and Crime Branch officers, under JCP Sharad Singh, DCPs Lavina Sinha and Ajit Rajyan, and ACPs Hardik Makadia and Bharat Patel, coordinated the operation, sending five teams to Maharashtra and Prayagraj. The entire mission was successfully executed within 48 hours.

Sale of shopping mall and hospital footage

The accused had been running this nationwide hacking racket for over a year, selling CCTV footage from shopping malls, government offices, and hospitals. Shopping mall footage was priced between ₹800 and ₹1,200, while sensitive videos from gynaecology wards and injection procedures were sold for up to ₹4,000. These videos were monetised through YouTube and Telegram, catering to a high demand for such illicit content.