Goa Police bust illegal call centre, 26 arrested for duping US citizens

Goa Police dismantled an illegal call center operating in the Verna Industrial Estate, South Goa, on May 28, arresting 26 individuals accused of duping US citizens. The suspects posed as employees of US-based banks, using internet-based calling systems to convince victims into transferring money under false pretenses, often through gift cards. The raid, conducted early on May 28, uncovered the fraudulent operation inside a factory hub. Police confirmed that the accused, originating from states including Nagaland, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, were residing in rented accommodations in Sancoale, South Goa. During the operation, authorities seized 145 laptops, 45 mobile phones, routers, headphones, and other electronic accessories valued at around Rs 55 lakh. The fraudsters employed VPN-based calling and spoofing technology to mask their identities and locations while contacting victims abroad. A case has been filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, with all 26 accused remanded in police custody for further investigation. A local court granted police custody for two days, and officials are working to identify additional individuals involved in the scam. Goa Police have urged the public to report suspicious activities through the national cybercrime helpline '1930' or by contacting the nearest police station.