Ahmedabad Police Arrest Four for Running Fraudulent Call Center Targeting Canadians
Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, Ahmedabad police have arrested four individuals for allegedly running an illegal call center that targeted Canadian citizens by impersonating tax officials. The arrest followed a raid on March 14, revealing a sophisticated scam operation that exploited unsuspecting victims.
Key Takeaways
Four arrests made in Ahmedabad for operating an illegal call center.
Scammers targeted Canadian citizens by impersonating tax officials.
Operation utilized VOIP technology called 'Eye-Beam' .
Police confiscated six laptops and five mobile phones during the raid.
Ongoing efforts to apprehend two absconding suspects.
Ahmedabad, March 17 (NationPress) Four individuals have been apprehended in Ahmedabad for allegedly running an illegal call center that targeted Canadian citizens by posing as tax officials and fraudulently extracting money, according to police reports on Tuesday.
The operation was disrupted by the Cyber Crime Branch during a raid conducted on the night of March 14 in the Chandkheda vicinity, prompted by specific intelligence received.
As per police investigations, the suspects operated from a flat owned by Ashu Patel's family (a co-accused).
The family lived on the ground floor, while the suspects utilized the first floor for the call center, misleading family members into believing they were engaged in video gaming.
Authorities revealed that this call center had been active at this site since February of this year, after previously functioning from the Naranpura area.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Kush Patel (29), Harsh Patel (28), Ashu Patel (29), and Sunil Rawat (28).
Additionally, two other suspects, Shivang Dashmana and Falgun Patel, remain at large.
Investigators characterized Falgun Patel as the primary suspect, claiming he had previously operated similar call centers in Chandigarh and Udaipur in 2025, targeting individuals in both the United States and Canada.
Cyber Cell ACP Hardik Makadia stated, “We have detained four individuals and confiscated six laptops and five mobile phones. The main suspect, Falgun Patel, is still absconding and has previously managed similar operations in Chandigarh and other locations. This particular call center commenced in February and had earlier been based in Naranpura. The suspects targeted Canadian citizens by impersonating Canada Revenue Agency officials, while Shivang acted as an intermediary to communicate with victims.”
Furthermore, a senior official revealed to IANS: “Using ‘Eye-Beam’, they generated nearly 14,000 new numbers each day, with around 2,000 calls being answered. The operation ran nightly from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.”
Police disclosed that the suspects utilized VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) software known as “Eye-Beam” to make calls while posing as Canada Revenue Agency officials.
They would reach out to Canadian citizens, gain their trust, and collect personal information such as names, addresses, and postal codes.
Victims were then informed about a request to withdraw funds from their Tax-Free Savings Account at the Royal Bank of Canada.
When victims expressed confusion, the suspects allegedly claimed that multiple accounts had been opened in their names and that their personal data had been compromised.
They further cautioned victims about potential identity theft and online fraud due to a compromised IP address.
Victims were then advised to connect with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), after which the suspects would acquire financial and sensitive information.
This information was relayed to co-accused Shivang, who, under the guise of processing the case, allegedly convinced victims to transfer money via gift cards from various companies.
Authorities disclosed that the suspects were employed by Falgun Patel with a monthly salary of Rs 20,000 along with additional incentives.
A case has been filed under sections 61(2)(A), 318(4), and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, alongside sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act.
The four detained suspects have been placed in police custody for five days. The raid resulted in the seizure of six laptops, five mobile phones, four telephones, and one keyboard, collectively valued at Rs 1.87 lakh.
Officials reported that Harsh Patel had previously been arrested in 2025 for a similar illegal call center operation registered at the Savina police station in Udaipur.
Sunil Rawat is also suspected of having operated similar call centers in Chandigarh along with Falgun Patel, who is believed to have been orchestrating a network of such operations across various locations.
Efforts are underway to locate the absconding suspects.
Point of View
The recent arrest of four individuals in Ahmedabad for their involvement in an illegal call center targeting Canadians raises serious concerns about the growing issue of cybercrime. This incident not only highlights the need for robust cyber laws but also the importance of vigilance among citizens to protect their personal information.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the nature of the scam?
The scam involved a fraudulent call center that impersonated tax officials to extract money from Canadian citizens.
How many people were arrested?
Four individuals were arrested, while two others remain at large.
What technology was used in the operation?
The suspects used VOIP software called 'Eye-Beam' to make calls and pose as Canada Revenue Agency officials.
What actions are being taken against the suspects?
The arrested suspects have been placed in police custody, and a case has been registered under relevant sections of the law.
What should victims do if contacted by such scammers?
Victims should remain cautious, verify the identity of callers, and report suspicious activities to authorities.
