The Enforcement Directorate's Jalandhar Zonal Office executed extensive search operations on Friday, targeting nine distinct locations across Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. These coordinated raids are part of an ongoing money laundering investigation focused on individuals allegedly operating a sophisticated transnational financial crime network. The network is accused of running illegal call centres and perpetrating cyber fraud by specifically targeting foreign citizens online.
International Cooperation Fuels Investigation
In a detailed statement released on Saturday, the ED clarified that the investigation was initiated based on a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation. This FIR itself stemmed from critical information shared by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States of America. The accused persons are being charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 for allegedly defrauding US citizens of millions of dollars, highlighting the international scope of the case.
Modus Operandi of the Fraudulent Network
The ED's probe has uncovered a well-organized operation. The illegal call centre employed 36 individuals, including key figures such as Jiger Ahmed, Yash Khurana, Inderjeet Singh Bhali, and Nikhil Sharma. These employees operated under the direct supervision of the main accused: Joney, Dakshay Sethi, and Gaurav Verma.
Their fraudulent scheme involved posing as a legitimate technical support call centre service to contact US victims. During these interactions, they would steal sensitive personal and financial information from the victims. Subsequently, they would threaten these individuals with statutory action from the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), creating a sense of fear and urgency.
Cryptocurrency and Layering of Illicit Funds
Capitalizing on this fear, the fraudsters would then coerce the victims into transferring their money into designated cryptocurrency accounts. The illicit funds were systematically siphoned from the foreign victims' accounts into various cryptocurrency wallets. To conceal the origin of this money, the Proceeds of Crime were then funneled into shell entities identified as Bliss Infraproperties LLP and Bliss Infraventures LLP for personal enrichment.
Furthermore, the investigation has revealed that the accused persons diverted a significant portion of these illicit proceeds into real estate investments, both within India and abroad, in an attempt to legitimize their illegally acquired wealth.
Significant Seizures and Ongoing Probe
The recent search operations have yielded substantial evidence. Authorities recovered various digital devices crucial to the investigation. Additionally, they seized unaccounted cash amounting to Rs 34 lakhs. Incriminating records were also confiscated, which allegedly link the accused to high-value investments and the acquisition of immovable properties.
The Enforcement Directorate has confirmed that the investigation is actively progressing, with further actions anticipated as they continue to unravel the full extent of this transnational financial crime network.
