Bengaluru Police dismantle China-Pakistan linked call centre, arrest 16 in cyber fraud operation

Bengaluru police have successfully dismantled an illegal call centre operating in HSR Layout, arresting 16 individuals in connection with a major cyber fraud syndicate with alleged links to China and Pakistan. The operation targeted victims through a 'digital arrest' scam, coercing them into transferring funds under the threat of fabricated legal charges.

Also read: Bengaluru tops India's cybercrime chart with over 17,600 cases in 2023

The raid took place in the early hours of October 7 at Cybits Solution, where 16 employees were apprehended. Police discovered that the call centre was just one part of a larger network spread across multiple cities. The group posed as officials from law enforcement agencies such as the police, CBI, ED, or TRAI, tricking victims into believing they faced arrest over fake charges like money laundering or narcotics offenses.

Scam had been running for over a year

Authorities believe the scam had been running for over a year, with the perpetrators targeting individuals by exploiting detailed databases containing Aadhaar and mobile numbers. Fraudsters used personal information to build credibility, creating fake scenarios where victims were held in a “digital arrest” during which financial details were extracted. The funds were then funneled through mule accounts.

Investigations revealed that the call centre owner, who remains at large, maintained links to a wider international syndicate. Authorities are tracking financial and technical evidence to uncover other nodes in the operation. The arrested individuals have been remanded in judicial custody as the investigation continues.