Hyderabad: The Federal Bureau of Investigation has shared information with the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a Hyderabad call centre fraud case involving alleged losses of about ₹200 crore to US citizens, according to the material visible in the screenshots. FBI officials reportedly visited the ED office in Hyderabad on August 19 to exchange information related to the case and obtain details concerning the alleged money-laundering trail.
The accused allegedly operated call centres that targeted US nationals by impersonating officials from American security agencies and other authorities. Victims were allegedly threatened with action over tax fraud and loan defaults and were then coerced into making payments.
The investigation traces back to an FIR registered by Madhapur Police in 2023 after the US Embassy and Interpol flagged an alleged fraudulent operation targeting Americans through fake technical-support calls and government impersonation.
FBI and ED Exchange Information on Money Trail
According to the report shown in the screenshots, FBI officials visited the Enforcement Directorate office in Hyderabad to exchange information about the case.
The FBI reportedly obtained details relating to the laundering of money generated through the alleged call centre operation. Investigators are examining how proceeds were collected, transferred and routed through different financial channels.
The Enforcement Directorate subsequently initiated a probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and linked the operation to a larger CBI case registered in September 2024 involving centres accused of targeting foreign nationals.
The alleged network is accused of using impersonation and coercive tactics to convince victims that they were under investigation or facing action over financial offences. The victims were then allegedly persuaded or pressured to transfer money.
Crypto, Hawala and Angadia Channels Under Scanner
The arrested accused have been identified as Vikas Kumar Nimar alias Misty, his father Tarachand Nimar, and Mohammed Irfan Ansari.
The Enforcement Directorate identified Vikas Kumar Nimar as an alleged operator of the syndicate, while Tarachand Nimar is described as an Army pensioner. Ansari has been described by the agency as a prime controller of the network.
According to the ED, victims were allegedly convinced to invest in cryptocurrency. The proceeds were then routed back to India through crypto traders, hawala operators and angadia channels before being layered through multiple bank accounts.
The investigation is therefore examining both the alleged fraud itself and the financial infrastructure used to move the proceeds. The use of multiple channels and bank accounts is being scrutinised as part of the money-laundering probe.
Ansari Allegedly Admitted Operating Call Centre Since 2017
According to the agency, Mohammed Irfan Ansari was arrested on August 10.
The ED has alleged that Ansari admitted to operating the call centre since 2017 and earning between USD 60,000 and USD 70,000 per month.
Investigators are continuing to examine the wider network, including the flow of funds and the roles of the people already arrested.
The latest exchange of information between the FBI and the ED adds an international dimension to the investigation, with both agencies examining the alleged targeting of US citizens and the movement of proceeds connected to the call centre operation.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
