The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth ₹187.13 crore in connection with a major money laundering investigation linked to an alleged international cyber fraud syndicate accused of targeting citizens in the United States through fake technical support scams. The attachment, carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), covers luxury farmhouses, villas and other high-value immovable properties located in Delhi, Haryana and Goa.
The money laundering investigation stems from a case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the basis of information received from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). According to investigators, the alleged cyber fraud network operated illegal call centres that contacted American citizens by posing as technical support representatives and deceived them into transferring large sums of money.
The accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, for allegedly operating fraudulent call centre activities that specifically targeted victims in the United States. Investigators claim the operation functioned as a well-organised international network with clearly defined roles for those managing the call centres and those directly interacting with victims.
According to the ED, the alleged syndicate operated an illegal call centre under the name “Digikaps – the Future of Digital”, where around 36 employees were engaged in contacting foreign nationals. The agency alleged that the operation was supervised by Joney, Dakshay Sethi and Gaurav Verma, while Jiger Ahmed, Yash Khurana, Inderjeet Singh Bhali and Nikhil Sharma were among those who allegedly impersonated technical support executives during calls made to victims.
Investigators alleged that callers convinced victims that their computers or digital accounts had been compromised and fraudulently obtained sensitive personal and financial information. In several instances, victims were allegedly threatened with false claims of legal action by the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), creating panic and compelling them to follow the callers’ instructions. Authorities believe these intimidation tactics were used to persuade victims to transfer money into cryptocurrency wallets allegedly controlled by the syndicate.
The ED alleged that the proceeds generated through the cyber fraud were subsequently layered and routed through multiple entities to conceal their origin. Investigators claim that shell entities, including Bliss Infraproperties LLP, were allegedly used to channel illicit funds before investing them in premium real estate and other high-value assets. According to the agency, the financial trail indicates a systematic effort to convert suspected proceeds of crime into legitimate-looking investments.
Earlier this year, during January and February, the ED conducted coordinated searches at 13 locations across Punjab, Haryana and Delhi as part of the investigation. During the raids, officials recovered digital devices, seized ₹34 lakh in cash and collected financial records, property-related documents and other material that allegedly established links between the accused and investments in valuable assets both within India and overseas.
Based on the evidence gathered during the searches and subsequent financial investigation, the ED concluded that a substantial portion of the alleged proceeds of crime had been diverted into real estate acquisitions. Acting on these findings, the agency attached assets valued at ₹187.13 crore under the PMLA to prevent their disposal or transfer while the investigation continues.
The Enforcement Directorate said the probe into the suspected international cyber fraud and money laundering network remains underway. Investigators are examining additional financial transactions, overseas links, cryptocurrency transfers and the role of other individuals or entities that may have facilitated the movement, concealment or investment of the alleged proceeds of crime. Authorities have indicated that further action may follow as the investigation progresses and additional evidence is gathered.
