Did ED Conduct Searches at 9 Locations in a Scheme Targeting American Citizens?
Synopsis
The recent ED operation against illegal call centres targeting US citizens reveals a complex web of cyber fraud involving significant monetary theft. With substantial evidence seized, the investigation underscores the ongoing battle against transnational financial crimes.
Key Takeaways
ED executed searches at nine locations .
Rs 34 lakh in cash seized.
Digital devices and incriminating records confiscated.
Accused operated a transnational fraud network.
Victims were US citizens.
Jalandhar, Jan 31 (NationPress) In a decisive move against cyber criminals scamming US citizens through unlawful call centres, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed search operations at nine sites across Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, confiscating digital devices, Rs 34 lakh in cash, and evidence of wrongdoing, an official disclosed on Saturday.
The ED's Jalandhar Zonal Office carried out these raids on Thursday, adhering to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, as part of an ongoing investigation into money laundering allegations against the suspects, according to an official statement.
The investigation unveiled that the suspects deceived US victims while posing as a technical support call centre, subsequently stealing sensitive information and intimidating them with potential legal repercussions from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service, US).
The fraudsters then coerced victims into transferring funds to cryptocurrency accounts, which were illegally diverted from foreign victims’ accounts into digital wallets. The Proceeds of Crime were then funneled into shell companies, Bliss Infraproperties LLP and Bliss Infraventures LLP.
The inquiry has revealed that the illegal call centre, Digikaps - the Future of Digital, employed 36 individuals, including Jiger Ahmed, Yash Khurana, Inderjeet Singh Bhali, and Nikhil Sharma, all supervised by Joney, Dakshay Sethi, and Gaurav Verma, according to the ED.
The accused orchestrated a transnational financial crime network by running illegal call centres and perpetrating online fraud targeting foreign nationals. The search operations extended to the residences of Joney, Dakshay Sethi, Gaurav Verma, and others.
The ED's inquiry was initiated based on an FIR filed by the CBI, informed by data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, US, under various sections of BNS 2023 against those accused of defrauding US citizens of millions of dollars.
The investigation has also uncovered the diversion of Proceeds of Crime into real estate by the suspects.
Thursday’s search operation yielded the recovery of multiple digital devices, the confiscation of Rs 34 lakh in unaccounted cash, and incriminating documents linking the perpetrators to substantial investments and the acquisition of properties both in India and abroad, stated the report.
Point of View
This incident highlights the persistent threat of cyber fraud that not only targets Americans but also impacts the integrity of our financial systems. The ED's proactive measures demonstrate a commitment to tackling such crimes, reinforcing the need for international cooperation in combating cybercriminal activities.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the ED's investigation?
The ED initiated its investigation based on an FIR lodged by the CBI, following intelligence shared by the FBI regarding fraudulent activities targeting US citizens.
What was seized during the ED's operation?
The ED seized various digital devices, unaccounted cash amounting to Rs 34 lakh, and incriminating records linking the accused to substantial investments.
Who were the main suspects in this case?
Key suspects include Jiger Ahmed, Yash Khurana, Inderjeet Singh Bhali, and Nikhil Sharma, supervised by Joney, Dakshay Sethi, and Gaurav Verma.
How did the fraud scheme operate?
The scheme involved posing as a technical support service, stealing victims' information, and coercing them into transferring money into cryptocurrency accounts.
What are the implications of this investigation?
The investigation underscores the significant threat of cyber fraud and the need for stringent actions to protect individuals from such crimes.
