Delhi Police have busted an alleged international cyber fraud network operating from Pitampura, Delhi, that reportedly cheated victims in the United States of around ₹100 crore through a sophisticated tech-support scam.
The Intelligence Fusion & Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit arrested or apprehended 11 people, including two women, during a raid on the alleged call centre. The operation came to light after investigators received intelligence about the network on September 21.
According to police, the accused used malware, fake security alerts and fraudulent customer support services to target American victims. Pop-up warnings on computers prompted users to contact a helpline, where fraudsters posing as technical support agents claimed their devices had been compromised.
The victims were then persuaded to install UltraViewer, a remote-access application that allegedly allowed the operators to control their computers.
The scammers subsequently claimed that the victims’ bank accounts were also at risk and transferred their calls to other members of the network posing as bank officials.
Using US-based phone numbers, the alleged fraudsters instructed victims to purchase gift cards from brands such as iTunes, Sephora, Target and Google Pay. Some victims were also persuaded to transfer Bitcoin.
Investigators said gift card details were circulated through WhatsApp groups before the proceeds were redeemed or converted into cash.
To make the operation appear legitimate, the accused allegedly used forged communications bearing the names of the FBI and other US federal agencies to intimidate victims. They also operated under fake Western-sounding identities.
Police raided the premises in Shivaji Market, Pitampura Village, where the alleged call centre was operating across two floors. Officers seized ₹41 lakh in cash, 29 laptops, 25 mobile phones, eight routers and a car.
A case was registered at the Special Cell police station on September 22 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
The investigation is underway to identify other members of the alleged syndicate and trace how the money obtained through gift cards and cryptocurrency was transferred and encashed.
