Cyber Crime
Gujarat Exposed as Epicenter of Global Scam Network: CID Uncovers Billion-Dollar Fraud Ring
AHMEDABAD: A recent investigation by the Gujarat Police’s CID (Crime) has unveiled a sprawling network of illegal call centers across India, with Gujarat emerging as a central hub for funneling fraudulently obtained money from foreign nationals.
These operations, targeting victims in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany, involve sophisticated scams and extensive hawala networks.
The investigation, detailed in a 10-page FIR, highlights the role of Gujarat’s robust angadia (courier) network in transferring illicit funds. According to the FIR, the money is routed through these traditional channels and modern methods like cryptocurrency to fund operations and launder proceeds.
Key Players and Scams
The CID has identified 22 individuals as masterminds behind the scams, including Dhaval Rajesh Vazani, who was arrested in Gandhinagar. Police recovered narcotics and crucial data from his devices, revealing the operations of multiple fake call centers both in India and abroad, including Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
The scams range from tech support fraud and healthcare scams to online shopping deceptions and lottery schemes. One notable incident cited in the FIR involved a Goa-based call center scamming a Californian victim of Rs 1.4 crore worth of gold, which was then invested in a dance bar in Mumbai.
Gujarat’s Role as a Financial Processor
The report underscores Gujarat’s pivotal role as a collection hub for fraud money, owing to its extensive *angadia* network. Firms like NR Angadia, NK Angadia, and Prime Angadia are mentioned as conduits for moving illicit funds. The FIR also reveals that these funds are being funneled into real estate, jewelry businesses, and high-end establishments like clubs and dance bars in cities such as Mumbai, Goa, and Chandigarh.
Organized Crime with a Global Reach
The accused have reportedly shielded themselves from law enforcement by designating employees as owners of the call centers during police raids. The CID’s analysis indicates that these operations are highly organized, with connections spanning multiple states, including Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, and Kerala, as well as international locations.
Alarming Statistics
The FIR cites data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the US, which reported over 2.6 million fraud complaints linked to call centers in 2023, amounting to a staggering loss of Rs 84,860 crore.
Names Under Scrutiny
The FIR lists prominent accused individuals, including Lakhvinder Singh Gill, Narendra Gujar alias Nehru, Hardik Bharat Patel, and Meghrajsinh Gohil alias Banna, among others, all hailing from Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar districts.
This revelation has put a spotlight on the need for stricter regulations and cross-border cooperation to dismantle these fraudulent networks. The CID continues its investigation, aiming to bring the perpetrators to justice and curb the proliferation of such scams.
