The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has carried out a major operation in a case involving the alleged cheating of citizens in the United States and Canada through a fake technical support call centre. The ED’s Chandigarh Zonal Office conducted searches at eight locations across Chandigarh-Mohali, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. During the searches, the agency seized unaccounted cash worth around ₹20 lakh along with incriminating documents and electronic devices. Bank balances amounting to approximately ₹50 lakh were also frozen.
According to the ED, the searched premises were linked to Vijay Raj Kapooria, Varinder Raj, M/s Infinum Enterprises LLP and other individuals and entities allegedly associated with them. The agency is now examining the source of the suspected fraud proceeds, their movement through various financial channels and the trail of funds allegedly transferred to overseas entities.
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The money laundering investigation was initiated on the basis of an FIR registered at the Sohana police station in SAS Nagar, Punjab. The FIR invoked various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, 2000. The case relates to an alleged fake call centre operating from Plot No. 29 at Emaar in Sector 108, Mohali. Punjab Police has already filed a chargesheet against the accused in the case.
Fake Pop-Ups and Support Numbers Used to Trap Victims
According to the ED investigation, the accused allegedly worked with associates based overseas to target citizens in the United States and Canada. Victims were allegedly shown fake pop-ups and links designed to create the impression that their computers, printers, iPads or other electronic devices had developed technical problems.
The pop-ups allegedly displayed toll-free numbers and encouraged users to contact the supposed technical support service. Once victims called the numbers, operators at the alleged call centre reportedly used pre-prepared scripts to communicate with them.
The operators allegedly persuaded victims to provide remote access to their computers or other devices. They then allegedly convinced them to pay for unnecessary or fictitious technical services. Through this method, the accused allegedly collected money from victims located overseas.
The investigation has also indicated that the alleged operators attempted to create the impression that they were associated with technical support services of major technology brands such as Apple and Microsoft. This was allegedly done to make the fraudulent support operation appear legitimate and gain the confidence of victims.
PayPal, Stripe, Banking Channels and Cryptocurrency Used in Alleged Money Trail
The ED investigation has identified several channels allegedly used to receive and transfer the proceeds of the suspected fraud. According to the agency, the money was allegedly routed through PayPal, Stripe, banking channels, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, as well as alleged hawala networks.
The investigation also found that suspected fraud proceeds were allegedly transferred to bank accounts of overseas entities located in the United States and other countries. During the PMLA probe, the ED detected transactions involving M/s Infinum Enterprises LLP, with funds allegedly received from several foreign entities.
The agency has identified these foreign entities as suspected dummy or shell companies and is examining their ownership, financial transactions and links with the accused individuals and entities in India.
The electronic devices and documents seized during the searches are expected to provide further information about the alleged call centre operations, overseas contacts and financial transactions. The ED is analysing the seized material to trace the suspected money trail and identify other individuals and entities that may have been involved.
The agency is also examining whether the suspected fraudulent operation extended beyond the entities and individuals identified so far. Further action will be based on the financial, documentary and digital evidence emerging during the investigation.
