Lucknow Police have uncovered a fake Apple customer-support call centre operating from a luxury apartment in Vibhuti Khand and arrested four alleged organisers accused of targeting people in the United States through impersonation, fraudulent websites and Voice over Internet Protocol technology. The operation marks the city’s third crackdown on an international cyber-fraud syndicate within 23 days.
Four Alleged Organisers Arrested
The action was carried out under Operation CY-VAJRA by Vibhuti Khand Police with assistance from the East Zone Surveillance and Crime Team. Officers raided a flat in Cyber Heights during the intervening night of July 22 and 23, finding what police described as a fully operational international call centre targeting US citizens.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, East Zone, Deeksha Sharma identified Suraj Tripathi as the alleged kingpin. Police said Tripathi learned how international call centres operated while working as a dialler in Ahmedabad during 2012 and 2013. He later allegedly established his own operation after connecting with overseas call-centre operators through Telegram groups.
Investigators said Tripathi brought in his relatives Vivek Pandey and Rahul Tripathi to manage the premises, infrastructure, recruitment and daily operations. Akash Arun Dutta, also known as Ricky, was allegedly responsible for the network’s technical operations, including its fake websites and internet-based calling systems.
Fake Apple Website Used to Reach US Victims
Police alleged that the group created a fraudulent Apple Customer Support website and promoted it through Google advertisements. This allowed a fake helpline number, 000 800 100 9009, to appear prominently in search results.
When victims called the number, their calls were allegedly routed through VOIP technology to the Lucknow centre. The operators then posed as customer-support representatives and attempted to obtain money from callers.
Investigators said the group frequently changed its scripts and operating methods to avoid detection. Several workers were allegedly made to believe that they were employed by a legitimate US customer-support company.
Cash and Electronic Devices Seized
Police said 35 agents worked from an equal number of workstations at the apartment. The workers had been recruited from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Nagaland, while one employee was from Nepal.
During the raid, officers seized 31 laptops, 14 mobile phones, two routers and other electronic devices. Police also recovered ₹18.50 lakh in cash, allegedly found inside Tripathi’s Hyundai Verna.
The seized devices are expected to be examined as investigators continue to trace the group’s communications, overseas connections and alleged activities targeting US citizens.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
