Vasco: In a major crackdown, Goa Police have busted an illegal call centre operating from the Verna Industrial Estate and arrested 26 persons for allegedly cheating US citizens by impersonating bank officials, police said on Thursday.
Acting on specific information, a raid was conducted at an industrial premises in Verna during the early hours of May 28, where the illegal setup was found to be functioning, they said.
According to police, the accused were posing as officials of US-based banks and targeting foreign nationals through internet-based calling systems. They allegedly duped victims by convincing them to transfer money under false pretences, often through gift cards.
All 26 accused, hailing from various states including Nagaland, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra, were residing in rented accommodation at Sancoale in South Goa, police said.
During the operation, authorities seized 145 laptops, 45 mobile phones, routers, headphones and other electronic accessories used in the alleged fraud. The total value of the seized items is estimated to be around Rs 55 lakh.
Police said the accused used VPN-based calling and spoofing technology to mask their identity and location while contacting victims abroad.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
All the accused were produced before a local court in Vasco town in South Goa, which remanded them to two days of police custody. Officials said further investigation is underway to identify other persons involved in the racket, while cyber forensic analysis of the seized devices has been initiated.
Police have appealed to citizens to remain cautious and not fall prey to such fraudulent calls, noting that no government agency demands payments through gift cards or cryptocurrency. In case of suspicious activity, people can contact the cyber crime helpline 1930 or approach the nearest police station, officials added.
