ED Conducts Raids on Call Centre-Crypto Scheme in Bengal
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Synopsis
The ED has launched simultaneous raids across multiple locations in West Bengal, targeting a call centre and cryptocurrency scam. The operation, which involves multiple teams and CAPF personnel, aims to dismantle fraudulent activities affecting overseas victims.
Key Takeaways
- ED raids multiple sites in West Bengal.
- Targeting a call centre-cum-cryptocurrency racket.
- Victims are primarily individuals residing overseas.
- Numerous incriminating documents have been seized.
- Businessman Rajesh Goenka is under investigation.
Kolkata, Jan 23 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated extensive raids on Thursday across various sites in West Bengal, predominantly in and around Kolkata, linked to a call centre-cum-cryptocurrency scheme operating within the state.
Insider sources revealed that multiple teams of ED officials are executing simultaneous raids at different locations, each team being accompanied by personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
This particular scheme is accused of defrauding individuals living abroad under the guise of offering software-related services through fraudulent call centres, subsequently channeling the funds collected overseas in the form of cryptocurrency.
The coordinated raid began at ten distinct locations at 8 a.m., and as of the time of this report, ED operations were still ongoing.
The targeted areas for these raids span Ballygunge, Topsia, and Picnic Garden in Kolkata, as well as Salt Lake, Rajarhat, and the IT hub of Sector V on the city's northern periphery.
Sources indicated that ED officials have retrieved numerous incriminating documents, both in paper and digital formats, from the locations under scrutiny.
Businessman Rajesh Goenka, based in Kolkata, is notably under investigation by central agency officials. The operations on Thursday were prompted by complaints from individuals who fell victim to these scams, leading the ED to initiate an inquiry after filing an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR).
Investigating officials suspect that, while the main hub of this scheme is in West Bengal, it likely has extensions in other states, particularly in eastern India.
According to sources, the ED is analyzing the seized paper and digital documents to determine the full extent of financial involvement in this fraudulent operation.
