CBI busts cyber fraud network targeting US citizens in Mumbai and Pune, arrests 3 accused
The victims were coerced into paying amounts ranging from $500 to $3,000 through gift cards or Bitcoin transfers. The fraudulent calls were made using spoofed VoIP-based systems from an illegally operated call centre located in Pune, CBI said.
The fraudsters were reportedly generating Rs 4 crore per month through the fraudulent activities and laundering the proceeds via fake accounts established with the assistance of bank officials.
CBI is investigating the group's US-based associates who allegedly supplied the personal details of the victims.
CBI searched seven locations, including Mumbai and Pune, and seized 27 mobile phones, 17 laptops, Rs 11 lakh, and 150gm of narcotic substances from one of the residences. They also found cryptocurrency worth Rs 6.9 lakh in the e-wallet on the accused's phone.
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On Friday, the three arrested accused were produced before a special judge for CBI cases in Mumbai, which remanded them to CBI custody until July 30.
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Employees at the call centre were compensated in cash routed through hawala channels from both the US and domestic locations, including Maharashtra and Gujarat, said the CBI. These employees were accommodated in residential flats across Pune. The operations involved the illegal procurement of contact leads via vendors on messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Signal. Victims were contacted through toll-free numbers generated and distributed by these vendors, ultimately connecting them to the fraudulent call centre.
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