The Cyber Crime branch of Kolkata Police uncovered an international cybercrime operation in Maheshtala, West Bengal, targeting American citizens. Eight individuals were arrested in connection with the racket. Police seized digital data, incriminating documents, five laptops, 12 mobile phones, and two routers from the suspects. The accused had set up a fake call center in a residential complex, posing as IT company executives and bank technicians to extract personal and financial information from US citizens.
Cases have been filed against the arrested individuals under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The fraudsters engaged in deceptive practices, including social media presence, to carry out fraudulent activities. Kolkata Police’s Joint CP (crime), Rupesh Kumar, mentioned that the investigation is ongoing, hinting at possible additional suspects. The scam was exposed when defrauded American citizens contacted Microsoft directly, leading to a complaint filed with the cyber police station in Kolkata.
A special investigation team was formed by Kolkata Police to address the cybercrime issue. The operation, lasting about 20 minutes, took place at the Green Field City residential complex in Maheshtala, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals. The suspects, hailing from Kolkata and Hooghly, are part of an international cybercrime ring under scrutiny for money laundering activities. Authorities are delving into the money trail and the network involved in the fraudulent scheme.
