Lucknow. Police are searching for Priyanshu, the alleged operator of a fake call centre in Aliganj that targeted US citizens in a cyber fraud operation. Priyanshu remains absconding, and police teams are conducting raids at possible locations in Ahmedabad after receiving information that he may be hiding there. Preliminary investigation has indicated that the gang allegedly defrauded US citizens of around ₹100 crore over a period of approximately four months. Police are now investigating the entire network and the roles of other people allegedly linked to the operation.
According to police, the arrest of Priyanshu could provide important information about the alleged mastermind, the functioning of the call centre and international financial transactions connected to the syndicate. Aliganj police arrested 16 people in the case on Saturday. They were produced before a court and subsequently sent to judicial custody.
Proposal for Conducting Cyber Crisis Drill, Tabletop Exercise (TTEx) & CCMP Readiness Exercise
Investigators have found that the employees at the call centre were assigned different responsibilities and that the operation was divided into three primary levels—agents, verifiers and closers. Through this structure, the gang allegedly first created fear of a technical problem among US citizens and then used different methods to persuade or pressure them into making payments.
Fraud Allegedly Began With Fake Pop-Ups
According to the alleged modus operandi revealed during questioning, the gang displayed fake pop-ups and security warnings on the computer screens of US citizens. These messages allegedly warned users that their computers had viruses or serious security threats. When victims became alarmed and contacted the helpline number displayed in the pop-up, their calls were allegedly routed directly to the fake call centre.
Agents at the call centre allegedly introduced themselves as employees of Microsoft or other reputed technical support companies. They then claimed they could resolve the reported computer problem. Victims were allegedly persuaded to use remote-access software, after which the accused could obtain remote control of their computers. Software such as AnyDesk and TeamViewer was allegedly used for this purpose.
After gaining remote access, the accused allegedly conducted fake security scans and told victims that their systems had serious viruses or other security problems. The next stage of the alleged fraud involved intimidation and threats.
Victims were allegedly told that their computers had been used to visit objectionable websites or that signs of illegal activity had been detected. The accused allegedly collected sensitive personal information and then posed as government officials or representatives of investigative agencies. They allegedly threatened victims with legal action or arrest and demanded large sums of money in exchange for supposedly resolving the matter.
Nehal and Ashish Allegedly Handled Management
The investigation has also revealed that Nehal and Ashish allegedly played important roles in operating and managing the call centre under absconding operator Priyanshu. According to police, the management also arranged accommodation and food for employees working at the centre.
Police are now using information obtained from the arrested accused to trace Priyanshu. Investigators are examining the call centre’s funding, bank accounts, international financial transactions and the wider network allegedly involved in targeting US citizens.
Police are also trying to determine which individuals and entities were connected to the operation and where the alleged proceeds of the fraud were transferred. Financial records and other evidence are being examined to establish the movement of the money.
Searches for Priyanshu are continuing at possible locations, including in Ahmedabad. Police officials said his arrest could provide further information about the alleged network’s operations, funding structure and international cyber fraud activities.
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.
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