International Call Centre Racket Busted in Gujarat, Duped US Citizens via Crypto
In a significant crackdown on organized cybercrime, the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) has dismantled an international call centre racket operating from Idar town in Sabarkantha district, Gujarat. The operation allegedly defrauded American citizens of substantial sums through sophisticated payday loan scams and cryptocurrency laundering.
Late-Night Raid Uncovers Illegal Operation
Acting on precise intelligence, a police team led by Inspector R K Karamta executed a late-night raid at an office situated within the Gangajal Mineral Water Plant premises on Barvav Road in Idar. The authorities had received specific information indicating that Gulamgosh, also known as Rider Sabirbhai Qureshi, a resident of Ahmedabad, had been running this illicit call centre from the building's first floor for nearly two years.
To gain entry, officers had to climb over a locked iron shutter. Inside, they discovered multiple individuals working on laptops in separate cabins. Upon interrogation, the primary accused reportedly confessed to operating the illegal call centre.
Modus Operandi: From Gift Cards to Cryptocurrency
Investigations revealed a meticulously planned fraud scheme targeting US citizens. The accused offered fraudulent payday loans—short-term, high-interest loans intended to cover urgent expenses until the borrower's next paycheck. Victims were instructed to pay processing and other fees using Apple and Walmart gift cards.
The gift card codes were then allegedly forwarded to handlers based in China and Hong Kong. These handlers converted the codes into USDT cryptocurrency after deducting their commission. Subsequently, the funds were transformed into Indian currency and transferred through hawala channels, bypassing formal banking systems.
Scale of the Operation and Key Arrests
Inspector Karamta disclosed that the individuals involved were primarily Class 12 graduates who had previously worked in call centres and were proficient in communicating with foreign nationals. The racket reportedly laundered between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh per week, highlighting its extensive reach and profitability.
During the raid, police confiscated critical evidence, including:
- 12 laptops valued at Rs 2.25 lakh
- 40 mobile phones worth Rs 7.45 lakh
- Routers, headsets, and ATM cards
- Various accessories and Rs 40,590 in cash
- A vehicle used in the operation
Ten accused, including the kingpin Rider and a supervisor managing dialers and closers, were apprehended and handed over to Idar police for further investigation. Additionally, eleven more individuals, such as foreign-based data providers and cryptocurrency converters, have been declared wanted.
Legal Actions and Broader Implications
A case has been officially registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Police emphasized that this racket was part of a well-organized international cyber fraud network, involving data suppliers, call agents, crypto converters, and hawala operators.
To delve deeper into the case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed, headed by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) A.K. Patel from Himmatnagar. This move underscores the seriousness with which authorities are addressing such transnational cybercrimes, aiming to uncover the full extent of the network and prevent future incidents.
