PTC Web Desk:  In one of the biggest crackdowns on organised cyber fraud networks in Punjab, the Ludhiana police have arrested 132 persons allegedly involved in an international online scam racket that targeted foreign nationals through fake technical support and banking fraud schemes.

The operation led to the seizure of nearly Rs 1.07 crore in cash, 98 laptops, 229 mobile phones, 19 luxury vehicles and the freezing of more than 300 bank accounts linked to the fraudulent network. Police officials said the masterminds of the racket are believed to be based in Delhi and Gujarat.

According to Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma, the accused were operating highly organised fake call centres from commercial properties located near Sandhu Tower and Silver Oak in the city. The cyber crime police station registered a case on May 13, under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and provisions of the Information Technology Act.

How the fraud network operated

Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused targeted foreign citizens, mainly by displaying fake virus warnings and security alerts on their computer screens using the name of Microsoft. The alerts falsely warned users that their systems had been infected with malware or compromised by hackers.

Victims were then shown a fake customer care number on their screens. Once they dialed the number, the call was routed directly to the fraudsters through X-Lite software used by the gang.

The accused allegedly posed as technical support executives and convinced victims to install remote access applications such as UltraViewer. After gaining remote control of the victim’s computer or mobile device, the fraudsters displayed fabricated scans and pop-up alerts to create panic.

The police said victims were threatened with false claims that their email accounts or bank accounts had been hacked, or that illegal content, including child exploitation material, had been detected on their systems. The gang then manipulated victims into transferring large amounts of money to secure their accounts or avoid legal action.

Organised team structure

Investigators found that the cyber fraud operation was functioning like a professional corporate setup. Each call centre allegedly had eight to 10 teams, with every team consisting of six to seven members.

Police officials explained that “openers” were responsible for initiating conversations with victims and obtaining remote access to their systems. “Closers” then entered the process by posing as bank officials or security experts and convincing victims to transfer money.

According to the police, every operator handled around 8 to 10 calls daily. Employees reportedly received fixed salaries along with performance-based incentives. The police estimates suggest that a single team could generate nearly Rs 20 lakh in illegal earnings per day.

Hawala, crypto and gift card transactions

The investigation has also uncovered a sophisticated money laundering system linked to the fraud operation. Authorities said the gang used multiple channels to move the proceeds of crime into India.

Victims were allegedly asked to arrange cash pickups from their homes, purchase gold that was later collected from their doorsteps, or buy expensive Amazon and Apple gift cards. In several cases, victims were also directed to transfer money into foreign bank accounts.

The police believe the fraud money was eventually routed back to India through hawala networks, cryptocurrency transactions and other illegal financial channels.

Massive police raid

The crackdown began after the Ludhiana Police received confidential inputs regarding suspicious call centres operating in the city and targeting overseas citizens.

Following surveillance and verification, cyber crime teams conducted simultaneous raids at several commercial premises near Sandhu Tower and Silver Oak. During the operation, the police detained numerous young men and women working at the centres.

Apart from the cash seizure, the police recovered electronic evidence, including laptops, mobile phones and other digital equipment suspected to have been used in fraudulent activities.

Authorities have also involved the Income Tax Department in the investigation to trace financial irregularities and undisclosed assets linked to the accused.

The Police are now examining the role of property owners, financial handlers, crypto operators and other associates connected to the network. Investigators are also analysing digital evidence, international money trails, hawala links, and cryptocurrency transactions to identify the full extent of the operation.

Officials believe further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.