Haryana Police Bust Fake International Call Center : 21 Arrested

Chandigarh New Delhi: In a significant breakthrough against international cybercrime networks, Haryana Police dismantled a fake international call centre operating from Panchkula and arrested 21 individuals allegedly involved in defrauding citizens in the United States by impersonating customer support executives of a leading e-commerce company.

The operation was carried out following specific intelligence inputs received by law enforcement agencies regarding suspicious activities being conducted from a premises located in Sector-2, Panchkula. Acting swiftly, a joint team comprising officials from the Cyber Crime Police Station, the State Cyber Team, and Haryana Police conducted a late-night raid, exposing a sophisticated cyber fraud operation with international links.

Four Masterminds Identified

According to police officials, four key individuals believed to be the masterminds behind the racket have been identified as:

• Raja Siddiqui
• Akshay alias Tikku
• Navdeep Bedi alias Raj Bedi
• Ankur Kapoor

The accused hail from different parts of the country, including Kolkata, Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana.

Following their arrest, the four accused were produced before a local court, which granted the police seven days of custody for detailed interrogation and further investigation.

How the Fraud Operated

Initial investigations revealed that the accused were operating an illegal call centre targeting foreign nationals, particularly residents of the United States.

The fraudsters allegedly used specialized internet-based communication software to receive and make calls. During these interactions, they falsely introduced themselves as customer service representatives of a well-known e-commerce platform.

Once they gained the trust of unsuspecting victims, they collected personal and financial information under various pretexts. Victims were then persuaded to download remote-access software applications onto their computers.

This access enabled the fraudsters to remotely control the victims’ systems, monitor their activities, and manipulate them into making financial transactions.

Investigators stated that the accused commonly convinced victims to purchase gift cards under the guise of resolving technical issues, processing refunds, or securing online accounts. After obtaining the gift card details, the cybercriminals redeemed them through multiple channels and converted them into cash or other financial assets.

Massive Seizure During Raid

The raid led to the recovery of a substantial quantity of electronic equipment, cash, valuables, and digital assets believed to be linked to the cyber fraud operation.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime and Traffic) Amrinder Singh, the following items were seized:

• 19 desktop computer systems
• 3 laptops
• 16 headsets
• 2 point-of-sale (POS) machines
• 3 walkie-talkie communication devices
• 2 Wi-Fi routers
• 1 currency-counting machine
• 1 hardware cryptocurrency wallet
• Cash worth ₹11.30 lakh
• Counterfeit foreign currency notes
• Gold jewellery
• Diamond studs
• Gold chains and bracelets
• Various electronic devices and incriminating documents

Officials believe that the recovered materials provide crucial evidence regarding the scale and structure of the criminal operation.

Links to Cryptocurrency and Hawala Networks

One of the most alarming aspects uncovered during the investigation is the suspected use of hawala channels and cryptocurrency platforms for laundering the proceeds of cybercrime.

Preliminary findings suggest that the illegal earnings generated through the scam were routed through complex financial networks spanning multiple states.

Authorities suspect that a significant portion of the funds was converted into digital assets and cryptocurrencies to conceal their origins and facilitate international transfers.

Investigators are now examining transaction records, digital wallets, and seized electronic devices to trace the movement of funds and identify additional beneficiaries.

International Cybercrime Concerns

Cybercrime experts have long warned about the increasing sophistication of fraudulent call centres operating from South Asia and targeting victims across North America, Europe, and Australia.

These operations often exploit technological vulnerabilities and human psychology to deceive individuals into disclosing sensitive information or making unauthorized payments.

In many cases, criminals impersonate representatives from banks, e-commerce companies, government agencies, or technical support services to gain credibility.

The Panchkula operation appears to fit this broader pattern of transnational cyber fraud, with investigators exploring whether the accused had links to larger international syndicates.

Employees Released on Bail

Among the 21 individuals arrested during the raid were five women and twelve men who were allegedly employed as computer operators at the call centre.

Police stated that these individuals were primarily involved in handling calls and carrying out operational tasks assigned by the organizers.

Following legal proceedings, these employees were released on bail while investigations continue to determine the extent of their involvement and knowledge of the fraudulent activities.

Authorities are examining whether the operators were fully aware of the criminal nature of the operation or were recruited under misleading circumstances.

Multi-State Investigation Underway

The investigation has now expanded beyond Haryana, with law enforcement agencies working to identify additional locations, associates, and financial channels connected to the network.

Police officials revealed that important leads obtained from the arrested masterminds have pointed towards possible operations in other states.

Based on these revelations, teams are preparing to conduct further raids and searches at multiple locations across India.

Officials believe more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses and additional evidence is analyzed.

Growing Threat of Organized Cyber Fraud

The case highlights the growing threat posed by organized cybercrime networks that exploit digital technologies to target victims worldwide.

With increasing internet penetration and the widespread use of online services, cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics to bypass security measures and deceive users.

Law enforcement agencies across India have intensified efforts to combat such crimes through specialized cyber units, intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and technological capabilities.

Authorities have urged citizens both in India and abroad to remain vigilant against unsolicited calls, requests for remote computer access, and demands involving gift cards or cryptocurrency payments.

Police Appeal for Public Vigilance

Cybercrime investigators have advised individuals to verify the identity of callers claiming to represent companies or government agencies before sharing any personal information.

Experts also recommend:

• Never sharing banking credentials over the phone.
• Avoiding installation of remote-access software at the request of unknown callers.
• Verifying refund or technical support claims directly through official company websites.
• Reporting suspicious activities immediately to cybercrime authorities.

The successful dismantling of the Panchkula-based fake international call centre is being viewed as a major achievement in the fight against cyber-enabled financial crimes and a strong message to criminal networks exploiting digital platforms for illegal gain.

As the investigation continues, authorities expect further revelations regarding the scale of the operation and its potential links to broader international cyber fraud syndicates.