Telangana: Cyber Security Bureau Busts Fake Call Centre Targeting NRIs and US Citizens; 63 Arrested

Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) shut down a large-scale cyber fraud operation run from a fake call center in Hyderabad's HITEC City. They arrested 63 people, mainly from Northeastern India, who were targeting NRIs and US citizens. These individuals posed as PayPal customer service representatives to commit cybercrimes.

Using software like EYEBEAM and X-LITE, the fraudsters made fake calls and sent phishing emails. They falsely claimed that victims' PayPal accounts in the US had unauthorized transactions. Victims were then directed to a fake "fraud prevention team" and pressured to give their banking details or transfer money to "safe accounts." The criminals claimed this was to secure refunds or prevent further fraud.

TGCSB Director Shikha Goel said the investigation showed that Kaivan Patel Rupesh Kumar, also known as Jaddhu/Jadu Bhai (from Gujarat), was the mastermind. He worked with his brother Vickey (who lives in Dubai) and another person named Ajad. They supplied stolen PayPal data and set up mule bank accounts in the USA to receive the stolen money. To hide the money's origin, they converted it into cryptocurrency. The operation was managed by Jadu Bhai/La Bhai and Rahul/Pratik, under the supervision of Chanda Mansawani, the Hyderabad-based managing director of Exito Solutions.

Team leaders Sanju, James, and Praveen were experts in manipulating victims. The fraudsters recruited people through social media, promising salaries of Rs 30,000. They trained these recruits in deceptive cyber fraud techniques. During the raid, police seized 52 mobile phones, 63 laptops, and 27 Exito Solutions ID cards.

Shikha Goel added that the investigation is ongoing to find more suspects, including a recruiter named Justin, and Jadu Bhai, who oversaw the entire operation. She urged the public to be cautious and aware of these types of scams.