Ludhiana: The Punjab Police achieved a significant breakthrough in the fight against digital crime on Friday by uncovering a sophisticated cyber fraud syndicate operating out of Ludhiana. During a high-stakes raid on a local call centre, authorities arrested 132 individuals allegedly involved in an international scamming operation. Law enforcement officials recovered a staggering 1.07 crore rupees in cash, 98 laptops, 239 mobile phones, and 19 vehicles used by the gang. In a coordinated effort to halt the syndicate’s financial activities, more than 300 bank accounts linked to the suspects have been frozen. This operation represents one of the largest single-day crackdowns on cybercrime in the region, highlighting the growing scale of illicit digital enterprises.
The Ludhiana Police Commissioner detailed the group’s modus operandi during a press conference, explaining that the suspects utilized specialized applications to target foreign citizens. The gang members reportedly posed as technical support staff for prominent multinational corporations, convincing victims to pay for services or resolve non-existent technical issues. By masquerading as legitimate service providers, they were able to siphon large sums of money from individuals located outside of India. Investigations have revealed that the masterminds behind the operation are based in Delhi and Gujarat, while the 132 arrested employees were recruited from various states across the country to staff the illegal facility.
The crackdown was initiated following a precise intelligence lead regarding the activities of the call centre. All digital devices seized during the raid are currently undergoing forensic examination to determine the full extent of the fraud and to identify further victims. Authorities emphasized that the seizure of 19 vehicles and a massive amount of hardware underscores the high level of organization and funding behind the group. As the investigation continues, police are working to trace the money trail across the frozen accounts to ensure the recovered funds are handled according to legal protocols. This successful bust serves as a stern warning to those operating similar fraudulent schemes within the state.
