The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a major crackdown on a suspected cyber fraud network linked to a China-operated call center based in Cambodia in Meerut district. On Wednesday, two separate ED teams conducted simultaneous raids in Mawana town and Sadhan village under Incholi police station area, carrying out intensive searches for nearly 13 hours. Several digital devices, banking records, and documents were examined during the operation.
According to official sources, the case is linked to an FIR registered at the Cyber Cell of Patiala House, Delhi. It is alleged that the Cambodian call center network targeted Indian citizens through social media platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp, luring them with high-return investment schemes. Through this mechanism, the accused allegedly defrauded victims of crores of rupees.
FCRF’s Flagship Cyber Law Certification Returns With a New Four-Week Cohort
The ED teams reached both locations early Wednesday morning between 5 and 6 am in a convoy of six vehicles. Personnel from central security forces were also deployed for protection. During the search operation, houses were sealed from the inside and a detailed examination of digital records was carried out.
In Mawana’s Mohalla Khairat Ali, the ED conducted a raid at the residence of Mohammad Raja alias Alekh Raja. Investigations revealed his alleged connection with the Cambodia-based call center network. His father runs a small clothing shop, and he is the eldest son of the family. It was also reported that Mohammad Raja had previously worked in Dubai and had faced allegations related to cheating in the name of sending people abroad. He had also spent time in jail in Delhi and is currently out on bail.
Sources indicated that the network operated in a highly organized manner. Young individuals were allegedly lured with promises of overseas jobs and high salaries and taken to countries like Cambodia, where they were forced to work in fake call centers. Agencies are now examining suspicious banking transactions and foreign money trails linked to the case.
Meanwhile, in Sadhan village under Incholi police station area, the ED team carried out action at the residence of Sharanveer Chaudhary. His son Shubham (26) was called from Delhi for questioning. Shubham holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and previously ran a medical store but had not been actively working recently. Investigations also revealed that he had travelled to Cambodia and Thailand.
It was earlier claimed in the village that Shubham was living abroad, but the ED raid clarified the situation. During questioning, officials interrogated him in detail about the network and his foreign travel history.
After nearly 13 hours of continuous investigation, the ED teams left the premises with several crucial documents and digital evidence. Officials stated that the probe is still at an initial stage and further major revelations are expected in the coming days.
Local police officials said that detailed information regarding the operation was not shared with them, but the large-scale ED raid created significant unrest in the area.
