HYDERABAD / PATIALA / PUNE — The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Hyderabad Zonal Office, carried out extensive search operations under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, across four locations in Patiala, Pune, and Chandigarh. The raids were part of an ongoing investigation targeting an illegal call centre syndicate that systematically defrauded and extorted money from US nationals.
Over 220 Workers Found Active During Raids
During the raids, investigators discovered three live, fully operational fake call centres—two situated in Patiala and one in Pune. Approximately 220 employees were found actively working at workstations during the search operations. Authorities are currently verifying employee identities, assigned job roles, and organizational reporting structures. The raided premises were fully equipped with workstations, cubicles, computers, headsets, mobile phones, and specialized networking gear.
Modus Operandi: Fraud and Extortion Targeted at US Citizens
Investigations revealed that operators at these fake call centres made calls to US nationals, tricking and coercing them into sending funds under deceptive pretexts. Analysis of seized mobile phones and laptops recovered from operators at both the Patiala and Pune facilities confirmed the syndicate’s method of defrauding victims and distributing the illicit proceeds.
Mastermind Operated from Chandigarh
Simultaneous searches at a residential facility in Chandigarh revealed it served as the command center for the syndicate’s mastermind, who managed and controlled the operations in Patiala. Multiple digital devices containing operational data were seized from the site. Additionally, an individual responsible for processing and converting proceeds from US Dollars into Indian Rupees was identified at the premises, and his financial transactions are under active examination.
Major Seizure of Electronic Equipment
The ED seized a substantial collection of digital devices and evidence during the search and seizure proceedings, including:
- 66 Mobile Phones
- 13 Laptops
- Hard drives, cash, and communication equipment
- Calling campaigns, scripts, dialler software, and VoIP-based systems
ED investigators are currently examining the recovered digital material, payment channels, and fund flows to identify all individuals involved, trace the full proceeds of crime, and dismantle the network. Further investigation into the matter is ongoing.
