The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in Hyderabad has uncovered a large-scale international cyber fraud operation targeting citizens in the United States. The enforcement agency conducted coordinated searches across multiple cities, exposing a network of fake call centres that were systematically defrauding American nationals through impersonation and extortion tactics.
On September 15, the ED carried out simultaneous raids at four locations across Patiala, Pune, and Chandigarh under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. During these operations, investigators discovered three active call centres employing approximately 220 individuals who were allegedly involved in fraudulent activities aimed at US residents.
The employees at these call centres were reportedly engaged in impersonation schemes, pretending to be legitimate authorities or service providers to extract money from unsuspecting victims in America. The operations were well-organized and equipped with sophisticated technology to carry out the fraudulent activities on a large scale.
During the searches, the ED teams found extensive infrastructure including numerous computers, phones, headsets, and other communication equipment used to facilitate the scam operations. The agency seized substantial evidence including 66 mobile phones, 13 laptops, hard drives, various communication devices, cash, and important documents that are expected to help investigators trace the complete network and financial trail of the operation.
A significant breakthrough came when investigators raided a residential property in Chandigarh, where they identified the mastermind behind the entire operation. The leader was found to be remotely controlling the Patiala call centre operations from this location. Additionally, authorities discovered an individual at the same residence who was allegedly involved in currency conversion activities, specifically exchanging US Dollars into Indian Rupees, which suggests a sophisticated money laundering operation linked to the fraud proceeds.
The Hyderabad Zonal Office of the ED continues to investigate the matter to identify all individuals involved in the network and trace the complete flow of illegally obtained funds. The seized electronic devices and documents are being examined to gather further evidence and establish the full extent of the international cyber fraud operation.
