Cybercrime racket busted, 3 arrested

The CBI, in coordination with the US’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has dismantled a transnational cybercrime syndicate operating from Amritsar and Delhi. American nationals were allegedly defrauded of nearly $40 million (around Rs 330 crore) by the syndicate, an official said here on Monday.

Three accused—Jigar Ahmed, Yash Khurana and Inder Jeet Singh Bali—have been arrested.

The agency raided an illegal call centre (Digikaps: The Future of Digital) at Global Tower, opposite Khalsa College of Women in Amritsar where 34 persons were caught red-handed while allegedly duping American citizens through fraudulent tech-support schemes.

“The accused tricked victims into believing their bank accounts were compromised, then manipulated them into transferring funds into cryptocurrency wallets controlled by the gang,” the official said.

During searches across Amritsar and Delhi since August 20, investigators seized Rs 54 lakh in cash, 85 hard disks, 16 laptops, 44 mobile phones, and other incriminating evidence. Eight additional electronic devices and key documents were also seized from the residences of the accused.

The CBI said the racket had been running since 2023, using sophisticated virtual asset channels to launder criminal proceeds. Officials added that more arrests were likely as investigations expanded globally with the assistance from INTERPOL and foreign agencies.

“Further probe is underway to trace the money trail and international links of the syndicate,” the official said.