Who is Chandra Prakash Gupta in the Rs 100-crore international call centre scam targeting US nationals?
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Synopsis
The ED has arrested Chandra Prakash Gupta, a key figure in a massive international call centre scam that targeted US nationals, uncovering frauds worth Rs 100 crore. This extensive operation involves impersonation and high-tech deceit, raising alarms about cybercrime.
Key Takeaways
- Chandra Prakash Gupta arrested in connection with a massive call centre scam.
- Scam targeted US nationals through impersonation.
- Seizures included Rs 1.75 crore in jewellery and Rs 10 lakh in cash.
- Investigation launched by Enforcement Directorate under PMLA.
- Ongoing efforts to apprehend other key suspects.
New Delhi, Dec 24 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has apprehended Chandra Prakash Gupta in relation to a significant illegal call centre operation emanating from the Delhi-NCR area, which has been deceiving citizens of the United States, officials disclosed on Wednesday.
Gupta was taken into custody on December 13 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, following a thorough investigation into a tech support scam that involved impersonating well-known technical service providers.
As per the ED, the Special PMLA Court in Gurugram has remanded the accused in custody until December 24. Gupta, identified as a principal suspect in this scheme, had been evading capture since July 2024 after raids executed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which subsequently resulted in a non-bailable warrant being issued against him.
The ED's inquiry commenced following an FIR filed by the CBI’s IOD branch in Delhi, encompassing various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, 2000.
During searches conducted on December 19 and 20 at ten locations throughout Delhi-NCR, investigators confiscated jewellery valued at approximately Rs 1.75 crore, cash surpassing Rs 10 lakh, four luxury vehicles, eight high-end watches, digital devices, and numerous incriminating documents.
Additionally, over 220 bottles of premium liquor—far exceeding the legal residential limit—were also found across various sites.
This situation has been reported to the State Excise Department, with separate FIRs being lodged. Meanwhile, other main suspects, including Arjun Gulati, Abhinav Kalra, and Divyansh Goel, remain at large.
Investigators uncovered that illegal call centres were functioning in Noida and Gurugram, where workers deceived US citizens through fraudulent pop-up alerts that imitated authentic Microsoft security notifications.
Victims were misled into dialing numbers displayed on their screens and were urged to install remote access software, thereby granting fraudsters full control over their devices. Sensitive personal and banking information was subsequently extracted.
The illicit gains were funneled through overseas bank accounts, converted into cryptocurrencies, and layered back into India via shell companies.
The ED estimates that between November 2022 and April 2024, victims lost nearly USD 15 million, with assets exceeding Rs 100 crore generated from these illegal activities.
Investigations are ongoing.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the scale of this fraudulent operation that not only affects individuals but also tarnishes the image of our nation's integrity. The aggressive approach taken by the Enforcement Directorate highlights a commitment to combatting cybercrime and protecting citizens from such deceitful schemes.
NationPress
24/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the nature of the scam?
The scam involved illegal call centres impersonating major tech companies to defraud US citizens through deceptive practices.
How much money was involved in the scam?
The ED estimates that victims were cheated of nearly USD 15 million, with assets worth over Rs 100 crore acquired through these illegal activities.
Who else is involved in the scam?
Other key accused individuals, including Arjun Gulati, Abhinav Kalra, and Divyansh Goel, are still at large.
What actions have been taken against Gupta?
Chandra Prakash Gupta was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and is currently in custody.
What further investigations are planned?
The ED is continuing its investigation to uncover more details about the scam and its operators.
