Authorities in Ludhiana have uncovered a major international cyber fraud racket allegedly involved in cheating foreign nationals through online scams worth crores of rupees. So far, 132 suspects have been detained, while investigators have seized ₹1.07 crore in cash, 98 laptops, 229 mobile phones, 19 vehicles and suspected financial records linked to the network.
Large Seizure and Bank Accounts Frozen
During the operation, investigators froze more than 300 bank accounts allegedly connected to the cyber fraud network. Several other accounts are also under scrutiny as agencies examine the financial trail and suspected illegal channels used to route money into India.
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Probe agencies said the syndicate was targeting victims in Europe and North America through fake calls, online investment schemes, technical support scams and social engineering methods. Preliminary findings suggest that the accused used a structured network to deceive foreign citizens and transfer funds through multiple banking and informal channels.
Officials said the recovered electronic devices and financial records are being examined to identify the full scale of the operation. Investigators believe the racket had been functioning for a considerable period and may have affected victims across several countries.
Fraud Run Through Digital Calling Platforms
According to investigators, the accused allegedly used specialised applications and internet-based calling platforms to contact victims abroad. People were reportedly misled in the name of banking verification, tax compliance, cryptocurrency investments, technical support services and digital account security.
Once victims were convinced, funds were allegedly transferred from their accounts and routed into India through multiple bank accounts, shell channels and hawala networks. Preliminary investigation has also found that each operator linked to the network handled an average of eight to ten calls a day.
Agencies suspect that several call centres and technical units were connected to the operation. The syndicate’s international links, banking channels and financial movements are now being examined in greater detail.
Forensic Probe Underway
A case has been registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. Income Tax officials have also been informed about suspicious financial transactions and bank accounts detected during the investigation.
Cyber security experts said international fraud syndicates are increasingly using internet telephony, layered banking systems and advanced social engineering methods to evade detection. Former IPS officer and cyber crime expert Prof. Triveni Singh said fraudsters often study the digital behaviour, email patterns and online activity of targets to build trust before committing financial fraud.
Forensic examination of seized laptops, mobile phones and digital records is underway. Investigators are now trying to identify other modules of the syndicate operating in different Indian states and determine the total amount transferred through the network. Agencies expect further arrests and financial disclosures as the probe progresses.
