Security agencies have cracked down on a transnational cyber-fraud network that used online betting platforms to dupe victims across multiple countries. The STF busted a fake call centre operating from Shahberi in Noida and arrested six accused, including three Nepalese nationals. In a parallel operation, Gurugram cyber police arrested an E-SIM supplier from West Bengal who had allegedly provided more than 2,100 Indian E-SIM cards to cybercriminals based in Cambodia and China. Investigators say the network had footprints in the United States, China, Cambodia, Nepal and India and is linked to the recent threat emails sent to prominent Noida schools.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
According to the STF, several reputed schools in Noida received threatening emails on January 23. Technical analysis showed the emails were sent from the United States, while the recovery email trails led to India and Bangladesh. Location tracking pointed to Shahberi, where a raid recovered multiple laptops, mobile phones, VPN-based software and fake GPS spoofing applications. The six arrested were identified as Nepalese nationals Aseem Jung, Ggam Lekhnath and Kedarnath, along with Anant from Agra and Divyanshu and Sahil Kumar from Bihar.
Interrogation revealed that the group lured victims in India, Nepal and the US through online betting platforms and coerced them into transferring money. VPNs were used to mask locations, while the call centre operated through foreign virtual numbers. Agencies believe the main kingpin is operating from the US, remotely coordinating technical operations and fund routing handled by members in India.
E-SIM conduit exposed
In a related development, Gurugram cyber police arrested 28-year-old Rajat for supplying over 2,100 Indian E-SIMs to overseas cybercriminal networks. Investigators said he procured SIMs using forged documents from Rajasthan, activated them digitally and passed them on to handlers in Cambodia and China, enabling fraudsters to place calls from Indian numbers to gain victims’ trust.
The case surfaced after a complainant reported receiving a call from a person posing as an NIA officer who threatened a “digital arrest” and forced a large fund transfer. Technical forensics traced the E-SIM chain back to the accused, who has been remanded in police custody for three days. Further arrests are likely as agencies map the wider network.
Evidence of a transnational cyber syndicate
Probe agencies said the racket was involved not only in betting-app fraud but also in threat emails, digital-arrest scams and money laundering through layered bank accounts and crypto wallets. Use of foreign servers, VPN tunnels and fake KYC identities was aimed at evading detection.
The STF and cyber police are now tracking financial trails, cryptocurrency movements and international linkages. Officials said the case highlights the growing threat of organised cross-border cybercrime, where local call centres function as operational hubs for global fraud networks.
Authorities have urged citizens to ignore unsolicited calls claiming law-enforcement action, avoid betting-app investment traps and report such incidents immediately to the national cyber helpline.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
