Pune Police have busted an alleged cyber fraud network operating through fake online gaming platforms, after raids at two suspected call centres exposed the use of forged identities, mule bank accounts, minors in the workforce, and illegal weapons. Cases have been registered against 12 individuals following the operation, which investigators believe was linked to victims across the country through a layered banking and digital fraud system.
The raids were carried out on Wednesday around 4 pm at Amanora Chambers in Amanora Mall, Hadapsar, and Bhakti Commercial Complex in Fursungi. The operation continued late into the night, with officers seizing electronic devices, financial records, forged documents and other material believed to be central to the alleged racket.
Fake Gaming Platforms Used to Draw Victims
According to officials, the accused allegedly lured people through fake online gaming platforms by promising winnings and bonuses. Victims were then encouraged to transfer money into multiple bank accounts, after which the funds were moved through several layers of transactions.
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Investigators suspect that forged Aadhaar and PAN documents were used to open bank accounts and obtain SIM cards. These accounts allegedly functioned as mule accounts, helping the accused conceal the movement of money and make the financial trail difficult to trace.
The main accused has been identified as Santosh Datta Venjanekar, 47, a resident of Park Infinia in Fursungi. Police allege that he orchestrated the operation by using forged identity documents of employees to create banking and communication channels for fraudulent transactions.
Call Centre Setup and Use of Minors Under Probe
Police said the operation appeared to function like an organised call centre setup, with structured work processes and multiple employees handling digital and communication systems. Investigators also found that minors were allegedly employed in the operation, prompting the inclusion of provisions under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Several workers were allegedly engaged using fake identities, indicating a planned system of recruitment and identity manipulation. Officials are now examining whether the Pune-based operation was part of a wider interstate cyber fraud network.
The FIR has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, online gaming regulations, the Arms Act and the Juvenile Justice Act. Police have said further arrests are likely as the investigation expands.
Weapons, Devices and Financial Records Seized
During the raids, police recovered an illegal pistol and six live cartridges, adding a serious criminal dimension to the case. Officers also seized computer hard disks, laptops, auto-dialer machines, pen drives, CCTV DVR systems, SIM box equipment, bank passbooks, cheque books, and gold and silver ornaments suspected to be linked to the proceeds of crime.
Investigators are now conducting forensic analysis of the seized devices and documents to reconstruct the financial trail and identify all those involved. Authorities are also examining the technical and financial support structure behind the racket, including possible links to organised cybercrime groups operating across regions.
Police said the case reflects the changing nature of digital fraud, where criminal networks are increasingly using call centre-style operations, fake identities and banking channels to target victims on a large scale.
