New Delhi, October 7: The ED Raids Fake Call Centre in Delhi as part of a major crackdown on cyber fraud. On Tuesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches at several locations across Delhi-NCR, including Noida and Gurugram. Officials said the operation aimed to stop a network of fake call centres that cheated foreign nationals out of large sums of money.
During the investigation, officers searched at least 15 sites in Delhi-NCR and also raided multiple spots in Mumbai. These actions form part of a larger money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED team seized computers, mobile phones, and digital records to track the flow of illegal money.
The case began after the Delhi Police filed multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) against Karan Verma and his associates. Police discovered several fake call centres operating in Rohini, Paschim Vihar, and Rajouri Garden. These centres posed as customer support for global companies such as Microsoft, Apple, and Charles Schwab Financial Services.
Fraudsters lured foreign nationals by pretending to be technical support agents. Once the victims believed them, they convinced them to pay for fake computer fixes. Later, the same scammers acted as police or investigative officers and threatened victims with arrest if they refused to pay.
To hide their illegal earnings, the scammers converted the money into cryptocurrencies and gift cards. This method made it difficult for victims to trace or recover their funds. Many crypto wallets processed transactions worth millions of U.S. dollars. Officials suspect that the network may have international links.
Cybercrime continues to grow rapidly in India. States like Punjab and Haryana have seen an alarming rise in fake call centres and online scams. Chandigarh, the shared capital of both states, has also reported numerous cyber fraud and money laundering cases. These reports underline the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in tackling such crimes.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), cybercrime cases in India jumped from about 3,000 in 2016 to over 11,000 in 2020. Experts believe this trend will continue as criminals use more advanced technology to target people both inside and outside the country.
The ED’s latest operation shows its firm commitment to fighting cybercrime. Investigators are following digital money trails and shutting down fake setups to protect innocent citizens. They also plan to work more closely with international agencies to uncover global connections and stop financial crimes at their roots.
As online scams grow more complex, people must stay alert. They should avoid sharing personal or banking information with unknown callers and report suspicious behavior to cybercrime helplines. The government continues to promote awareness through schools, offices, and social media, reminding everyone about online safety and digital responsibility.
In conclusion, the ED Raids Fake Call Centre in Delhi stands as a strong move in India’s fight against online fraud. This action highlights both the government’s dedication to combating cybercrime and the public’s role in staying aware and secure in the digital world.
