SOURCE :- SIASAT NEWS
In connection with an alleged fake call center scam targeting US citizens, the Enforcement Directorate ( ED), Hyderabad Zonal Office, conducted searches at four locations in Patiala, Pune, and Chandigarh. The ED seized 66 mobile phones, 13 laptops, communication equipment, cash, and records.
Under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act ( PMLA ), 2002, the searches were carried out on Tuesday, September 15. Three lived call centers, two in Patiala and one in Pune, were discovered during the procedure, with about 220 workers working there, according to the ED.
The call centers reportedly made calling to US citizens and allegedly forced them to pay them under false pretenses, according to the organization. Mobile phones and a computer reportedly contained information about the syndicate’s operation and the distribution of victims ‘ profits at the Patiala centers.
According to the ED, a comparable procedure was discovered at the Pune center.
Masterminded in Chandigarh
The mastermind reportedly used the private areas searched in Chandigarh to organize and oversee the Patiala operations. Digital products containing information about how the call centers operate were recovered, and an investigation into a man reportedly assisting in the conversion of USD funds into Indian Rupees is also being conducted.
Calling activities, code, diallers, VoIP-based systems, target information, payment channels, and the movement of funds are being looked at by the ED, according to the ED in order to find the perpetrators of the operations and track the alleged proceeds of crime.
According to the organization, further research is being conducted.
SOURCE : SIASAT
