Team Goemkarponn
CALANGUTE/ANJUNA: In a major crackdown on cyber fraud, Goa Police have arrested 34 persons after busting two illegal international call centres operating from resorts in Anjuna and Calangute, allegedly targeting citizens of the United States through sophisticated online scams.
In the first operation, Anjuna Police raided Maya Resort, Grand Chivar, between the night of June 29 and the early hours of June 30. Acting on a state complaint filed by PSI Sahil V. Warang, police arrested 15 accused who were allegedly impersonating representatives of Medicare and insurance providers in the United States. The accused allegedly obtained victims’ personal and insurance details and fraudulently processed claims related to Durable Medical Equipment (DME) to unlawfully obtain insurance reimbursements.
Police seized 15 laptops, 13 mobile phones, routers and other electronic gadgets collectively valued at approximately ₹25 lakh. The investigation is being led by PI Krishna P. Sinari of Anjuna Police Station.
In a separate operation, Calangute Police raided the 4th Floor of Hotel Baga Residency at Khobrawaddo, Calangute, and arrested 19 persons allegedly running another fake international call centre. According to police, the accused posed as iOS Customer Service agents and allegedly cheated US citizens by inducing them to make payments through gift cards, Apple gift cards and cryptocurrency under false pretences.
During the raid, police seized 12 laptops, five mobile phones and other computer equipment worth approximately ₹10 lakh. The accused were arrested after following due legal procedure, and the investigation is being conducted by PI Laxi Amonkar.
Both cases have been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. Police are continuing their investigations to identify the wider network and trace the proceeds of the alleged cyber fraud.
