The Enforcement Directorate has launched an investigation into around 220 people following raids on three operational fake call centers across Patiala and Pune accused of targeting United States citizens in an extensive cyber fraud and extortion scheme. The agency conducted coordinated search operations on September 15, 2026, across four premises in Patiala, Pune, and Chandigarh under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Officials uncovered two functioning call centers in Patiala and one in Pune, where about 220 employees were found on site. The federal probe agency has initiated a comprehensive verification of their identities, organizational roles, and the broader operating hierarchy governing the setups.
The search teams recovered a significant volume of electronic infrastructure from the premises, including workstations, desktop computers, headsets, mobile phones, and specialized networking gear. Investigators stated that operators at these hubs placed deceptive calls to individuals in the United States, coercing them into sending funds under false pretexts. Incriminating materials concerning fraud and extortion schemes directed at American residents were documented at the Patiala facilities. Data extracted from seized mobile phones and a laptop revealed insights into the group’s operational methods and the distribution patterns of funds extracted from victims.
Identical Modus Operandi Uncovered Across State Lines
A corresponding operational setup was discovered during the search of the call center unit located in Pune, where callers applied similar scripts and techniques against US citizens. Enforcement Directorate investigators are evaluating institutional links connecting the centers in Patiala and Pune to establish whether the facilities were directed by a single criminal enterprise or functioned as independent entities sharing technical architecture.
Technical teams are conducting forensic reviews of all digital materials recovered from both locations. The evaluation seeks to identify the principal organizers, map communication trails, and verify domestic and international financial channels used to receive the proceeds.
Chandigarh Residential Search Points to Network Controller
A parallel search at a residential property in Chandigarh revealed that the premises were used by an individual linked to the administrative command and supervision of the Patiala call centers. Multiple digital storage devices holding operational records, personnel logs, and administrative files were impounded from the residence.
Findings from the Chandigarh search indicated that a suspect managed the conversion of illicit dollar receipts into Indian rupees alongside broader fund settlement duties. Investigators are scrutinizing the financial paper trail, banking avenues, and transaction channels used to process and distribute the converted amounts.
Large Cache of Digital Devices and Financial Records Seized
Throughout the four-location operation, the agency seized 66 mobile phones, 13 laptops, external hard drives, varied communication equipment, cash, and substantial physical records. Investigative teams are performing forensic examinations on these devices to determine the complete chain of individuals involved in operating the call facilities.
The ongoing inquiry focuses on calling campaigns, call scripts, dialer configurations, internet-based voice calling infrastructure, victim lead databases, payment routes, and the individuals overseeing financial management. Officials stated that all collected documentation and digital trails are being analyzed to trace the complete money laundering cycle and establish connections across different jurisdictions.
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