Punjab’s Cyber Crime Police dismantled a massive call centre scam in Mohali, uncovering a sophisticated fraud operation that allegedly cheated victims out of nearly Rs 50 crore. The police arrested eight individuals, including one woman, during a strategic raid on a flat in Eden Court Society, Sector 91, where the illegal call centre had been operating for the past six months.
The accused used an elaborate setup and impersonation tactics to trick unsuspecting victims across India, leveraging the growing confusion and fear around cryptocurrency-related fraud. Investigators believe the gang executed a structured con, using fear and urgency to manipulate victims into transferring large sums of money under the guise of account security.
Fraudsters Used Cryptocurrency as a Fear Tool
DSP Rupinder Kaur Sohi, who leads the Cyber Crime and Forensic Wing in Punjab, provided detailed insights into the fraud’s execution. She confirmed that the gang used cryptocurrency as the central hook in their scam.
The fraudsters sent bulk SMS messages to people across India, warning them about suspicious deductions from their accounts linked to cryptocurrency transactions. The messages created a sense of panic and confusion. They then provided a “helpline” number for victims to call in order to “resolve the issue.”
Once victims dialed the number, the scammers posed as officials, often claiming to be from law enforcement or financial regulatory agencies. They used fear tactics similar to “digital arrest” scams. They told victims that their accounts had been linked to illegal cryptocurrency deals, and unless they took immediate steps, they would face legal action, including arrest or asset seizure.
In their panic, many victims transferred money to the fraudsters’ accounts, thinking they were securing their finances. The gang used this method repeatedly, sometimes even posing as RBI or Income Tax officials to lend credibility to the scheme.
Day and Night Shifts to Maximize Reach
The gang organized their fraudulent operations professionally. They ran the call centre in two shifts—day and night, maximizing the number of potential victims they could contact.
The accused used 12 laptops, 14 mobile phones, and other high-end digital devices to send mass messages and maintain fake identities during calls. Their primary goal was to reach as many victims as possible in a short time. By splitting their workforce into shifts, they ensured 24/7 operations, targeting different regions across the country based on time zones and response patterns.
Accused Received Cash to Avoid Digital Trails
The investigation revealed that the gang went to great lengths to avoid leaving digital or financial footprints. The accused did not use bank transfers or digital wallets for salary payments. Instead, they received all their compensation in cash.
By doing so, the gang minimized the chances of law enforcement tracing their financial transactions. According to the police, this move helped the scammers avoid early detection despite running the operation for over six months.
The arrested individuals hail from diverse states—including Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Himachal Pradesh. The group likely used fake identities and forged documents to rent the flat and conduct operations under the radar.
Police Seize Digital Evidence and Vehicles
During the raid, police recovered crucial evidence from the scene. They seized:
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12 laptops
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14 mobile phones
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One Scorpio SUV
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Several documents and digital files suspected to contain transaction logs, call scripts, and contact databases
Investigators believe this evidence will help trace the movement of money and identify more victims. The devices also contain call recordings and chat histories that outline the gang’s fraudulent scripts and operational methods.
The police have already started the forensic analysis of these devices to uncover further leads and connections.
Kingpin Still at Large
While the police have arrested eight operatives, the mastermind behind the operation remains on the run. DSP Sohi confirmed that investigators have obtained strong leads through the interrogation of the arrested individuals.
Law enforcement officials believe the kingpin could be operating from another state or even outside India. They are currently following digital trails and call logs to track down his location. The Cyber Crime Wing has also reached out to inter-state agencies and cyber units for additional support.
FIR Registered Under New Laws
Police registered an FIR at the Mohali Cyber Crime Police Station, invoking several serious charges. The case includes:
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Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita – pertaining to cheating
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Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita – involving criminal conspiracy
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Section 66D of the Information Technology Act – covering impersonation using electronic means
These charges reflect the severity and complexity of the crime. The police expect more arrests as the investigation expands and authorities trace the fraud’s financial footprint.
Public Advised to Stay Vigilant
The Punjab Cyber Crime Wing issued a public advisory, urging people to stay alert and avoid responding to unsolicited messages, especially those involving cryptocurrency or financial warnings.
Authorities reminded citizens to:
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Never share bank details or OTPs with unknown callers
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Verify identities before transferring money
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Report suspicious calls or messages to cybercrime helplines or police stations
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Avoid downloading unknown apps sent via SMS or email
DSP Sohi emphasized the importance of public awareness:
“These fraudsters prey on fear. When people panic, they lose their judgment. We urge everyone to take a moment to verify and report instead of reacting impulsively.”
A Wake-Up Call for Cyber Safety
The Mohali scam underlines the evolving nature of digital crime in India. Scammers now exploit trending topics like cryptocurrency, blending fear, urgency, and technology to manipulate people. The case also highlights the need for stronger public awareness campaigns, digital literacy, and advanced surveillance tools.
Cybercrime units across the country now face the challenge of catching these fraudsters before they execute their next con. The Mohali bust marks a major step forward, but the fight continues.
Conclusion
The Mohali police’s swift action has disrupted one of the largest call-centre-based fraud networks in recent months. By arresting eight key players and recovering vital digital evidence, the Cyber Crime Wing has dealt a significant blow to the operation.
However, the real success will come with the arrest of the kingpin and the restoration of trust among victims. Until then, vigilance remains the best defense against digital scams masquerading as official financial alerts.
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