Police have busted an international fraud racket operating under the cover of a call centre and detained six youths involved in cheating people based abroad. Preliminary investigations reveal that the gang targeted victims in the United States and several other countries, calling them in the name of health insurance and duping them of large sums of money. Police have begun intensive questioning of the accused and are conducting continuous raids to trace other members and the wider network.
According to police officials, the fake call centre was being run from a rented house in the Chiluatal police station area. Around 10 to 15 young men and women were working there, trained to follow prepared scripts while speaking to foreign nationals and persuading them to make payments on the pretext of health insurance policies. The gang had allegedly been carrying out these activities for nearly six months.
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Victims in the US and other countries targeted
Police sources said the gang primarily targeted citizens of the United States and other Western countries. During calls, victims were lured with offers of health insurance policies, medical coverage and refund schemes. Payments were collected through digital platforms and fake bank accounts to make the money trail difficult to trace.
Investigations have also revealed that the kingpin of the operation had rented a room in the Karimnagar area under the Chiluatal police station limits and was running the entire network from there. Those detained are said to be residents of Gorakhpur, Lucknow and nearby districts.
Suspected links to an older criminal network
An important revelation during the probe is that one of the detained youths had been sent to jail about a year ago in Lucknow in a similar fraud case. Despite this, he was again found involved in operating a fake call centre. This has raised suspicions that the gang is part of an older and well-organised criminal network.
Electronic devices seized, technical probe intensified
During the raid, police seized several laptops, mobile phones, SIM cards and other electronic devices used for calling operations. Investigators are now closely examining call data records, financial transactions and technical evidence related to international calling to determine where the defrauded money was transferred.
Police are also verifying whether any valid licence had been obtained to operate the call centre. The role of the house owner is being examined as well, to ascertain whether he was aware of the illegal activities being carried out by the tenants.
Statement from the police
The Superintendent of Police (North) said that the detained youths are being questioned in depth. Raids are ongoing to identify other members and associates linked to the network. After completion of the investigation, a case will be registered and legal action will be taken based on the evidence collected.
Separate fraud cases also under scrutiny
Meanwhile, two separate cases of fraud have also emerged from the Gulariha area, where families have alleged that an agent cheated them by promising jobs in Dubai. According to the complaints, the agent took around ₹1 lakh each in cash and through online transfers, but neither arranged employment nor provided proper accommodation or food. Police are investigating these cases as well.
More revelations expected
Police believe the gang may be involved in large-scale international fraud. As the investigation progresses, more shocking disclosures are expected. For now, police teams are probing all angles with the aim of dismantling the entire network involved in the operation.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
