In a significant crackdown on cyber fraud, the Gwalior crime branch has arrested 20 women over two days for allegedly operating fake matrimonial call centres that duped numerous victims across the country.
Modus Operandi of the Matrimonial Scam
Acting on a specific tip-off, joint teams comprising the crime branch, cyber cell, and local police conducted simultaneous raids on two locations in Gwalior's Thatipur area. The fake call centres, operating from Mayur Nagar and Jyoti Nagar, were posing as legitimate matrimonial websites. Their target was unmarried men, whom they lured by sharing fake photographs of women presented as models.
After establishing initial contact, the women tele-callers would pose as prospective brides. They meticulously built emotional connections with the victims over time. Once a bond was established, they would send QR codes under various pretexts to extract money. The gang used basic keypad phones instead of smartphones to avoid detection. SIM cards and handsets were provided by the operators, and the numbers were swiftly switched off once a transaction was completed, making the trail difficult for investigators to follow.
Details of the Police Raids
The first raid was conducted at a house located behind Mayur Plaza in Mayur Nagar. From the first floor of this premises, police detained 13 women, aged between 20 and 25 years. Authorities also seized crucial evidence including laptops, registers, and multiple mobile phones. Preliminary investigation revealed that this centre was being managed by a woman on the instructions of the main accused, who is currently absconding.
During the interrogation of the detained individuals, police uncovered information about a second, linked operation. A subsequent raid at a flat in Jyoti Nagar led to the detention of seven more women who were allegedly carrying out an identical fraudulent scheme. The two centres are believed to be part of the same organised network.
Ongoing Investigation and Challenges
Police officials stated that while initial estimates suggest around 1,500 victims were cheated of approximately Rs 1.5 crore, the actual numbers are still being verified. The scale of the fraud is expected to become clearer as the investigation progresses. A major challenge for the police is tracing the financial trail and identifying all the victims, as the accused used methods designed to obscure their activities.
Efforts are now intensely focused on tracking down the mastermind behind the racket, who is currently on the run. Police are also working to identify other individuals linked to this widespread scam. This bust highlights the evolving nature of cybercrime in India, where emotional manipulation is increasingly used as a tool for financial fraud.
