NASHIK- The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has exposed a large-scale illegal call center in Igatpuri, Nashik, Maharashtra, that was allegedly defrauding citizens in the US, Canada, and other countries. The raid resulted in the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of substantial assets, including luxury cars, gold, cash, and cryptocurrencies, shedding light on a sophisticated cyber fraud network.
The Modus Operandi of a Deceptive Operation
The racket, operating out of a rented premise in Igatpuri, targeted unsuspecting victims by impersonating an “Amazon Support Services Call Centre.” The operators allegedly engaged in a wide array of cyber fraud, including making phishing calls and carrying out financial fraud by deceiving individuals into sharing personal and financial information. The investigation revealed that the accused had hired approximately 60 operators, including dialers, verifiers, and closers, to maintain the fraudulent operation, which was reportedly running live with foreign nationals being worked on at the time of the search.
Massive Haul Uncovered by Investigators
The CBI’s search yielded a significant recovery of both physical and digital assets. Authorities seized 44 laptops and 71 mobile phones, which contained crucial incriminating evidence. The financial recovery was even more extensive, with agents seizing unaccounted cash of ₹1.20 crores. They also found 500 grams of gold, valued at ₹1 crore, along with seven luxury cars. The digital footprint of the fraud was evident in the transactions of cryptocurrency, valued at ₹5 lakhs, and gift vouchers worth 2000 Canadian Dollars (₹1.26 lakhs).
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The Global Reach of a Local Scam
The criminal enterprise, though based in a small town in India, had a truly international reach. The investigation found that the syndicate was primarily cheating citizens of the United States, Canada, and other countries. The use of cryptocurrencies and gift vouchers points to the modern methods used to launder and transfer illegally obtained funds.
Ongoing Investigation to Unravel the Full Scope
The CBI registered the case on August 8, 2025, against five individuals residing in Mumbai and other unknown persons and bank officials. The arrested individuals have been accused of entering a criminal conspiracy and committing financial fraud by impersonating a legitimate call center. While the five main suspects have been arrested, the investigation remains underway as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and identify any other accomplices involved in the fraudulent scheme.
