In a significant crackdown on international cybercrime, the Cyberabad police have successfully dismantled a sophisticated scam call centre that was systematically targeting Australian citizens. The operation, which culminated in a coordinated raid, led to the arrest of 22 individuals accused of defrauding victims through deceptive tech support schemes.
The Elaborate Scam Operation Uncovered
Acting on credible intelligence, the Cyberabad Commissioner's Task Force (South) team executed a precise raid on a suspicious call centre operating from the upscale Niharika Tech Park in Madhapur. The location, which masqueraded as a legitimate business named 'M/s Sreenidhi and Sons,' was actually the nerve centre of an extensive international fraud network.
The modus operandi involved scammers impersonating technical support staff from reputable Australian telecommunications and service providers. Using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to mask their location, the accused would contact potential victims in Australia. They employed sophisticated social engineering tactics, convincing their targets that their computers or internet connections were compromised and required immediate technical assistance.
The police investigation revealed that the fraudulent operation had successfully swindled approximately ₹3 crore (around 550,000 Australian Dollars) from numerous victims across Australia. The elaborate scheme relied on creating a sense of urgency and fear among their targets, pressuring them into granting remote access to their personal devices and subsequently extracting sensitive financial information.
Coordinated Police Action and Arrests
The police operation was launched following specific information received by Cyberabad Police Commissioner Stephen Raveendra. The raid was meticulously planned and executed, resulting in the apprehension of all 22 individuals present at the call centre during the operation.
Among those arrested were key operatives including call centre managers, team leaders, and a substantial number of callers who directly engaged with the Australian victims. Law enforcement officials seized significant evidence from the premises, including computers, headphones, tele-calling scripts, and other electronic equipment used to perpetrate the fraud.
Police authorities have confirmed that the accused face multiple charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify all victims and trace the complete money trail of the illicit proceeds.
International Implications and Consumer Warnings
This case highlights the growing trend of cross-border cybercrimes where perpetrators operate from one country while targeting victims in another. The Cyberabad police have initiated the process of international cooperation to share intelligence with Australian law enforcement agencies regarding the uncovered fraud network.
Cybersecurity experts emphasize that such tech support scams represent a serious threat to consumers worldwide. They advise the public to be vigilant against unsolicited calls claiming to be from technical support teams, especially those demanding immediate payment or remote access to personal devices.
The successful bust serves as a strong warning to similar fraudulent operations operating under the guise of legitimate businesses. Law enforcement agencies have reiterated their commitment to combating cybercrime and protecting citizens from such sophisticated financial frauds, regardless of national boundaries.
