In one of the largest cybercrime crackdowns witnessed in Punjab in recent years, the Ludhiana Police Commissionerate dismantled an extensive international cyber fraud network allegedly operating through fake call centres and targeting victims across Europe and North America. The operation led to the arrest of 132 accused, including several women, during coordinated raids conducted over two days across multiple commercial premises in the city.

According to investigators, the organised syndicate had been running sophisticated online scams by impersonating technical support executives and using fake security alerts to deceive foreign nationals. Police officials stated that the network had allegedly cheated victims of crores of rupees over the past few months while operating through highly structured teams.

During the raids, authorities recovered more than ₹1.3 crore in cash along with 98 laptops, 229 mobile phones, and 19 luxury vehicles suspected to have been purchased using proceeds from cybercrime. Officials also froze nearly 300 bank accounts believed to be connected to the fraudulent operations.

Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma described the syndicate as a “highly organised international cyber fraud network” with operational links extending from Ludhiana to Delhi, Gujarat, and several foreign countries. Investigators believe the racket used advanced internet-based communication systems and remote-access software to carry out fraud on an industrial scale. 

How the Fraud Operated

Officials revealed that the accused allegedly used fake virus alerts and pop-up warnings designed to resemble legitimate Microsoft security notifications. Victims abroad would suddenly see alarming messages on their computer screens claiming their devices had been hacked or infected with dangerous malware. These fake warnings displayed customer support numbers and often froze computer screens to create panic.

Once victims contacted the displayed number, calls were routed to fraudsters operating from illegal call centres in Ludhiana using internet-based dialling software. The accused then convinced victims to install remote-access applications such as UltraViewer, giving scammers control over their computers and sensitive information.

Investigators said the criminal network functioned through multiple specialised teams consisting of “openers” and “closers.” The openers would initiate contact with victims and gain remote access to their systems, while closers allegedly handled the financial extraction process by posing as bank officials or cybersecurity experts.

Police sources indicated that some teams were reportedly siphoning thousands of dollars every day from unsuspecting victims abroad. Authorities suspect the proceeds were routed through illegal financial channels, including hawala networks and layered bank transactions, to avoid detection. 

Raids Conducted at Multiple Locations

The operation was launched after intelligence inputs alerted police to suspicious activities being carried out from commercial properties in Ludhiana. Simultaneous raids were conducted at offices located near prominent business complexes, exposing several illegal call centre setups allegedly being used to run cyber fraud operations.

Law enforcement teams seized digital evidence, communication devices, and financial records during the searches. Officials confirmed that forensic examination of laptops, mobile phones, and banking transactions is currently underway to identify the full extent of the network and trace additional suspects linked to the racket.

Wider Investigation Underway

Police have registered cases under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and provisions of the Information Technology Act. Authorities are also coordinating with financial agencies and income tax officials as part of the broader investigation into money laundering and illegal asset creation.

Investigators believe the syndicate may have international handlers and interstate connections, with operational support allegedly extending to other regions of India. Cybercrime experts assisting the probe are examining digital trails, cryptocurrency links, and cross-border financial movements connected to the accused.

Officials stated that the crackdown reflects growing concerns over India-based cybercrime networks targeting foreign nationals through fake tech-support schemes, investment scams, and remote-access frauds. Authorities have warned citizens and international users alike to remain cautious about unsolicited pop-up alerts, suspicious customer care numbers, and requests to install remote-access software.