Police in Rajasthan’s capital have busted an alleged fake call centre operating from a rented flat and arrested five people in connection with an online fraud network. According to police, the accused allegedly targeted people in the name of online gaming and investment schemes, promising them quick and easy returns in exchange for depositing money. A preliminary analysis of bank accounts linked to the suspects has reportedly revealed transactions worth crores of rupees connected to suspected cyber fraud. Police are now investigating the wider network, the flow of funds and the possible involvement of other associates.
The arrested accused have been identified as Ramesh Kumar (25), Naina Ram (35), Krishna Kumar (24), Pappu Ram (25) and Praveen Kumar (21). Police said all five are residents of Barmer, Balotra and Jodhpur districts and were sharing a rented flat in the Bhankrota area of Jaipur. The alleged fake call centre was being operated from the same premises.
The action was carried out as part of Cyber Shield, a month-long campaign being conducted by the Rajasthan Police Cyber Crime wing from July 20 to August 20. The campaign aims to curb cyber fraud, accelerate investigations and increase public awareness about online crimes.
According to police, the investigation began after a complaint was received through the 1930 cybercrime helpline and portal. Following the complaint, a team from Shiprapath police station and the Jaipur South Cyber Cell began examining the suspected cyber activity. During the investigation, police traced a rented flat in Bhankrota that was allegedly being used to operate the fraudulent call centre.
Police allege that the gang used websites linked to online gaming and investment schemes to lure potential victims. The investigation has reportedly found the use of websites such as RAMESH247.COM and 99exch. Potential customers were initially asked to communicate with the operators through WhatsApp. The accused allegedly then provided bank account details and QR codes through which victims were instructed to transfer money.
According to investigators, the accused initially charged around ₹500 for creating a gaming ID. They allegedly then persuaded customers to deposit larger amounts by promising higher returns. An examination of bank accounts linked to the accused reportedly showed transactions worth crores of rupees connected to suspected cyber fraud. Police are now analysing these transactions to identify the beneficiaries, victims and other members of the alleged network.
During the raid, police seized ₹1.50 lakh in cash from the premises. They also recovered 16 mobile phones, one tablet, three laptops, six cheque books, 24 ATM cards and 10 SIM cards. A cheque worth ₹2.50 lakh, one Wi-Fi device, three PAN cards and four Aadhaar cards were also recovered.
The seized electronic devices and documents are being examined to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud. Investigators are analysing mobile phones, SIM cards, digital communications, bank account details and other electronic evidence to determine how the operation was organised and whether the accused were working with a larger network operating from other locations.
Police are also trying to determine which states and regions were targeted by the alleged gang, which bank accounts received the fraud proceeds and how the money was subsequently transferred. The investigation is also focused on the websites, phone numbers, SIM cards and digital payment channels allegedly used by the accused.
Based on the financial trail, police are attempting to identify potential victims as well as other individuals who may have assisted the operation. Investigators are also examining whether the accused were operating only the alleged call centre or were connected to other cyber fraud groups involved in online gaming and investment scams.
A case has been registered under Sections 318(4), 316(2), 112(2) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act. Police said the investigation is continuing and further action will be taken based on the examination of digital evidence, financial transactions and other material recovered during the raid.
