The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has revealed a large-scale international cyber fraud and financial crime syndicate operating out of Pune and Mumbai. The agency arrested three individuals and seized digital devices, cash, and narcotic substances during raids conducted on July 24.
The three arrested accused have been identified as Amit Dube, Tarun Shenai, and Gonslaves Savio. They were produced before the Special Judge for CBI Cases in Mumbai and remanded to police custody till July 30, 2025.
In addition, the agency recovered unexplained cash of Rs 1.60 lakh and 150 grams of a narcotic substance from one accused’s residence. The same individual was also found to have cryptocurrency worth Rs 6.94 lakh in his wallet. Another accused was found in possession of Rs 9.60 lakh in unexplained cash.
According to the CBI, the accused were targeting foreign nationals, particularly US citizens, by impersonating officials from agencies like the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Indian High Commission. Victims were threatened with legal consequences and coerced into paying amounts ranging from $500 to $3,000 through gift cards or Bitcoin transfers.
The syndicate operated an illegal call centre from a covert location in Pune since January 2025. CBI registered the case on July 24 against unknown public sector bank officials and four private individuals for their involvement in the conspiracy.
Spoofed VoIP-based calls were made to unsuspecting US citizens using contact leads acquired from vendors on messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Signal. These vendors also generated toll-free numbers that redirected victims to the fraudulent call centre.
The agency revealed that the fraudsters were laundering proceeds estimated at Rs 3–4 crore monthly through mule accounts, cryptocurrency, and hawala channels. Bank officials allegedly facilitated the opening of fake accounts with forged KYC documents, bypassing RBI regulations.
The call centre employees were paid in cash-routed through hawala networks from both domestic and US sources. These workers were housed in multiple flats across Pune.
CBI conducted searches at seven locations, including the illegal call centre. Officials seized 27 mobile phones, 17 laptops, and other incriminating digital equipment. “Scrutiny of these mobile phones and laptops reveals that these accused persons were using caller services found on social media platforms like Signal and WhatsApp,” CBI said.
A further investigation into the racket is ongoing.
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