The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a charge sheet under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 against VRM Business Services Private Limited, a Kolkata-based information technology firm, and its director Rajesh Goenka, among others, for allegedly operating an illegal call centre that defrauded foreign nationals of at least ₹20.35 crore. The charge sheet, filed on 4 July 2025, follows a probe triggered by an FIR registered at the Electronics Complex Bidhannagar Police Station.

How the Fraud Operated

According to the ED, callers operating from VRM's premises impersonated representatives of reputed multinational corporations and contacted foreign-based victims through VoIP-based calls. The accused allegedly threatened victims under false pretences and induced them to make payments for gift vouchers and non-existent services — including fictitious subscription cancellations and technical support.

The ED's statement noted that the scheme involved 'fraudulent manipulation of computer systems', with callers using coercion and impersonation to extract money. The proceeds were then allegedly channelled into jewellery purchases and immovable properties, among other assets.

Assets Seized and Attached

Prior to filing the charge sheet, the ED had already taken significant action against the accused. The agency seized valuables and froze bank accounts worth ₹2.35 crore and provisionally attached immovable property valued at ₹11.14 crore under PMLA, 2002. In total, assets worth over ₹13 crore have been secured so far.

According to the ED, Rajesh Goenka, through VRM Business Services, was identified as the primary beneficiary of the proceeds of crime. Callers working out of the firm's premises were also named as beneficiaries in the charge sheet.

What the Investigation Revealed

The ED's PMLA probe found that VRM Business Services provided the physical and technical infrastructure required to run the illegal call centre. The operation was described as systematic — with the accused using impersonation, coercion, and computer manipulation to defraud victims across multiple countries.

The initial complaint that triggered the FIR alleged that Goenka and associates were running an unauthorised call centre, impersonating representatives of well-known service providers, collecting payments, and failing to deliver any service in return. The ED's subsequent investigation corroborated and expanded on these allegations.

Broader Context

This case is part of a wider pattern of India-based fake tech-support call centres targeting foreign nationals, particularly in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Indian law enforcement and the ED have escalated action against such operations in recent years, with several crackdowns in Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Noida. The use of PMLA provisions allows investigators to trace and attach assets acquired from criminal proceeds, even when primary criminal charges are handled by state police.

The charge sheet marks a significant escalation in the case, and trial proceedings are expected to follow in the designated PMLA court.