Punjab Police Arrest Seven in Major International Fraud Operation

The Punjab Police arrested seven Nigerian and Ghanaian nationals in Noida for running a fraudulent call center. The police seized 79 smartphones, four laptops, 99 SIM cards, and documents related to 31 fake bank accounts worth approx. ₹30 lakh. Authorities traced transactions totaling around ₹15 crore and suggested over 350 victims may have been defrauded.

In a significant crackdown, the Mohali Cyber Crime Cell of the Punjab Police apprehended seven individuals from Nigeria and Ghana suspected of orchestrating an extensive fraud scheme out of a rented property in Noida. The arrests were confirmed on Saturday by police officials, who indicated that the suspects, all men aged between 25 and 35, are educated and had allegedly set up a fake call center.

The raid resulted in the seizure of numerous items, including 79 smartphones, four laptops—two of which were Apple MacBooks—99 SIM cards (both Indian and international), as well as documentation relating to 31 fictitious bank accounts. Authorities have estimated the total value of these recovered assets to be approximately ₹30 lakh. Transactions linked to the fraudulent bank accounts reportedly exceeded ₹15 crore.

According to Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police Harmandeep Singh Hans, the preliminary investigation suggests that the group may have defrauded over 350 victims. SSP Hans noted, “Using advanced cyber tools and covert strategies, our team managed to apprehend the culprits,” highlighting the complexity and organization of the operation.

The fraudulent scheme involved the gang enticing victims with promises of luxurious gifts from abroad. Victims were later informed that customs had detained their parcels, leading the scammers to request payment for imaginary clearance fees or taxes. Individuals were asked to transfer specified amounts to the gang’s bank accounts.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Rupinderdeep Kaur Sohi, who led the operation, revealed that the rental property was leased by a Nigerian woman, currently untraceable. Investigation is ongoing concerning the identities of the account holders and the methods utilized by the gang to acquire SIM cards.

The Punjab Police’s swift action highlights the ongoing battle against international fraud operations, specifically targeting unsuspecting individuals through false pretenses. With numerous victims potentially compromised, the authorities are actively working to unravel the network behind the elaborate scam and seek justice for those affected. This case underscores the need for increased vigilance among the public against such fraudulent schemes.

Original Source: indianexpress.com