Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, May 29: Goa Police have dismantled an illegal call centre operating from the Verna Industrial Estate in South Goa and arrested 26 persons for allegedly cheating citizens in the United States by impersonating bank officials, police said on Friday.

Acting on specific inputs, police conducted a raid at a factory hub in Verna during the early hours of May 28, where the illegal call centre was allegedly operating.

According to officials, the accused targeted US citizens by posing as representatives of American banks through internet-based calling systems. Victims were allegedly convinced to transfer money under false pretences, often through gift cards and other fraudulent methods.

Police said the accused used VPN-based calling systems and spoofing technology to conceal their identities and locations while contacting victims abroad.

The arrested individuals reportedly belong to various states, including Nagaland, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. All of them were staying in rented accommodation at Sancoale in South Goa.

During the raid, police seized 145 laptops, 45 mobile phones, routers, headphones and several other electronic devices allegedly used in the cyber fraud operation.

The total value of the seized equipment is estimated to be around Rs 55 lakh.

A case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.

A local court on Thursday remanded all 26 accused to two days of police custody.

Police officials stated that further investigation is underway to trace other persons connected to the racket and uncover the full extent of the cyber fraud operation.

Authorities have also urged the public to immediately report suspicious cyber activities through the national cybercrime helpline ‘1930’ or by approaching the nearest police station.