Varanasi Cyber Crime Cell Busts Fake Call Center; 30 Arrested in Multi-Crore Investment Fraud

VARANASI, INDIA — In a major crackdown against digital financial fraud, the Varanasi Cyber Crime Team busted a fake call center operating out of the city on Thursday night. The high-stakes operation led to the arrest of 30 individuals, including 22 women callers, who were allegedly involved in defrauding both Indian citizens and foreign nationals under the guise of stock trading, investment opportunities, and tech support.

Along with the frontline callers, police apprehended the primary company operator and key associates running the illicit setup.

Dual Modus Operandi: Investment Frauds & Tech Support Scams

According to cyber investigators, the syndicate operated a sophisticated dual-front scam designed to exploit both domestic traders and international targets:

• Domestic Investment & Marketing Fraud: Callers contacted Indian traders, small business owners, and investors while posing as representatives of top multinational corporations. They promised lucrative returns through fake trading accounts, high-yield investment programs, digital marketing packages, and verified buyer leads. To establish credibility, the gang provided victims with forged corporate certificates and counterfeit legal documentation.

• International Tech Support Scams: The syndicate also systematically targeted foreign citizens, particularly residents of the United States. Posing as authorized customer support agents for major global tech brands such as Apple, callers convinced overseas victims that their personal devices or accounts were compromised, extracting substantial remote access fees and wire transfers.

Seizures and Ongoing Investigation

During the Thursday night raid, cyber crime officials seized a vast array of digital equipment and evidence, including:

• Dozens of desktop computers and high-end laptops

• Hard drives containing encrypted client data and international caller leads

• VoIP setup hardware and fraudulent corporate documentation templates