In a significant crackdown on cyber-enabled pharmaceutical fraud, the Mumbai Crime Branch has dismantled an illegal call centre operation that was allegedly selling controlled substances like Viagra to citizens in the United States. The police have arrested ten individuals, including the centre's owner, following a raid in the western suburbs of the city.
Raid in Andheri Uncovers International Scam
Acting on specific intelligence, officers from Unit 9 of the crime branch conducted a surprise raid on a commercial unit located in Amboli, Andheri. The premises were being used as a clandestine call centre. The police arrested ten persons from the spot, effectively busting the racket. The accused were allegedly using Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) and other online tools to make international calls, primarily targeting US nationals.
Posing as representatives of legitimate pharmaceutical companies, the operatives would offer to sell prescription drugs, including Viagra and other controlled medications, which are banned from being sold without proper authorization. The scam was not limited to international victims; the police revealed that people in India were also being duped by the same network.
Accused Charged with Fraud and Tax Evasion
The individuals taken into police custody have been identified as Amir Iqbal Sheikh (40), Mahir Iqbal Patel (26), Mohammad Shabib Mohammad Khalil Sheikh (26), Md Ayaz Parvez Sheikh (26), Adam Ehsanullah Sheikh (32), Aryan Mushaffir Qureshi (19), Aman Aziz Ahmed Sheikh (19), Hashmat Jamil Jariwala (29), Muzaffar Sheikh (43), and Amir Maniyar.
Investigators stated that the accused had set up a sophisticated computer-based calling system to carry out their operations. A major aspect of the fraud involved evading taxes by concealing the substantial proceeds generated from these illegal sales. The financial trail and the full extent of the network are currently under investigation as authorities work to uncover all involved parties and assets.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Probe
After their arrest, all ten accused were presented before a local court, which remanded them to police custody. This custody will allow the crime branch to conduct further interrogation and gather more evidence related to the international scam, the source of the drugs, and the money laundering methods employed.
The bust highlights the growing trend of cyber frauds originating from call centres that exploit digital calling technology to target victims across borders. The Mumbai Police have confirmed that the investigation is active and ongoing, with efforts focused on tracing the entire supply chain and the total revenue generated by the illicit operation.
