Team Goemkarponn
VERNA: A major illegal call centre involved in cheating United States citizens was busted by the Verna Police during an early morning raid at Verna Industrial Estate, leading to the arrest of 26 persons from various states across India.
According to police, the raid was conducted on May 28 between 3 am and 6:15 am at Plot No. 98, Milagros Aqua Pvt. Ltd., Verna Industrial Estate. The operation was led by Police Inspector Anand L. Shirodkar along with a team of officers from Verna Police Station acting on credible information.
During the raid, police discovered that the accused were allegedly operating an illegal call centre from the rented industrial premises and impersonating officials of US banks to target American citizens through internet-based communication systems.
Investigators said the accused used VPN calling and spoofing technology to disguise their identities and convince victims to transfer money through gift cards under false pretences.
The raid operation was monitored by SDPO Vasco Shri Gurudas Kadam under the supervision of South Goa Superintendent of Police Shri Santosh Dessai.
Police seized 145 laptops, 45 mobile phones, routers, headphones and other electronic accessories allegedly used in the cyber fraud operation. The total value of the seized property is estimated to be around ₹55 lakh.
The arrested accused are residents of Nagaland, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Police said they were residing in rented flats at Ocean View Apartment in Sancoale.
The accused have been booked under Sections 319 and 318(4) read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with Sections 66-C and 66-D of the Information Technology Act in connection with Verna Police Station Crime No. 54/2026.
All 26 accused were produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class Court in Vasco and were remanded to two days of police custody.
Police said cyber forensic analysis of the seized electronic devices is underway and efforts are being made to identify other persons linked to the racket.
Goa Police has appealed to citizens not to fall prey to fraudulent calls seeking payments through gift cards or cryptocurrency. Citizens have been advised to contact the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or the nearest police station in case of suspicious calls.
