ED busts call centers in Ballygunge, Sec 5, Howrah; uncovers ₹30 crore cryptocurrency fraud

Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials have executed a series of high-profile raids across Kolkata in connection with a major international fraud operation involving a call center. The raids, carried out on Thursday, led to the seizure of ₹1.8 crore worth of gold and cash. Multiple locations were targeted, including areas in Ballygunge, Baguiati, New Town, Sector Five, and several locations in Howrah. The investigation centers around a call center that allegedly defrauded foreign nationals by providing fake software services and immigration assistance.

The fraudsters are reported to have primarily targeted individuals from countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Victims were contacted under the pretext of offering legitimate software and immigration services. During these interactions, sensitive banking details were illegally obtained. The fraudulent funds were used to purchase substantial amounts of gold, which was hidden at the residences of the call center’s directors. The ED has confiscated large quantities of this gold, alongside cash, during the raids.

The investigation also uncovered that a significant portion of the proceeds was laundered through cryptocurrency transactions. It is alleged that ₹25 to ₹30 crore was transferred abroad using digital currency. This method of money laundering facilitated the movement of large sums across borders, complicating the detection and tracking of the illicit funds. The ED is continuing to probe the digital transactions and their international connections.

As part of the ongoing investigation, ED officials have searched 10 different locations linked to the call center network. These searches have yielded evidence related to the fraud operation, including financial records and other documents. Authorities are also investigating the role of a Kolkata-based businessman, whose connections to the call center fraud are currently under scrutiny. The investigation remains active, with additional raids and seizures anticipated in the coming days as ED works to uncover the full extent of the scam.