In a significant development against cross-border cyber fraud, the Cyberabad police have successfully dismantled an international fake call centre that was reportedly defrauding Australian citizens. The operation, which culminated in the arrest of nine individuals, has shed light on a sophisticated network of deceit that spanned multiple continents and involved elaborate methods to siphon off large sums of money from unsuspecting victims. The investigation revealed a carefully coordinated scheme that exploited technological vulnerabilities, manipulated victims psychologically, and leveraged global financial channels to transfer illicit funds.

According to a statement issued by the Cyberabad police on Saturday, the call centre, which was established in Madhapur, Hyderabad, had been operational since 2024. The prime accused, cousins Praveen and Prakash from Telangana’s Khammam district, were identified as the masterminds behind the operation. They allegedly brought in individuals from Kolkata to manage the centre and execute fraudulent activities targeting Australian citizens. These recruits were provided accommodation in Madhapur and underwent training to effectively carry out the scam, including how to convince victims and extract sensitive banking information.

The investigation revealed that the call centre operated in conjunction with an unidentified external group, which provided the accused with “leads” in the form of potential targets. This external group reportedly employed multiple digital tactics, including sending fake pop-up alerts and phishing emails to Australians, falsely claiming that their computers had been compromised. These communications contained a fake customer support number, which victims were encouraged to call. Once victims dialed the number, they were connected to the Madhapur call centre, where the team of scammers began their manipulative routine.

Upon establishing contact, the call centre staff would coerce victims into granting remote access to their computers under the guise of resolving security issues. Once access was granted, the scammers gained control over the victims’ online banking accounts. Using a combination of psychological manipulation and technical expertise, the team convinced victims to authorize substantial transfers of money. The funds were typically transferred to Australian bank accounts owned by Indian nationals residing in the country. From there, the money was routed back to India through various channels, including hawala networks, cryptocurrency transactions, and other clandestine methods designed to evade detection by financial authorities.

Over the course of two years, the group is believed to have defrauded Australian citizens of amounts ranging between ₹8 crore and ₹10 crore. The scale of the operation, coupled with the transnational movement of funds, underscores the increasing sophistication of cybercrime in the modern era. Police officials highlighted that the modus operandi relied heavily on exploiting the trust and lack of awareness among victims, combined with the ability to bypass conventional financial monitoring systems.

Praveen and Prakash, the central figures in the operation, managed the overall strategy and direction of the call centre. Two additional individuals from Khammam were responsible for supervising daily operations, ensuring that the team in Madhapur executed the fraud schemes efficiently. Meanwhile, the seven recruits from Kolkata functioned as the front-line operators, making direct calls to victims and guiding them through the process of granting access to their computers and transferring funds. The training provided to these employees reportedly included techniques in persuasion, handling objections, and manipulating victims into compliance, demonstrating a high level of premeditation and planning.

The investigation also uncovered a troubling aspect of the scheme: the recruitment and exploitation of Indian students studying in Australia. The accused collected bank account details from these students and used them as conduits to receive illegally obtained funds. This approach not only facilitated the movement of money internationally but also further complicated legal and investigative procedures, as the transactions appeared legitimate on the surface.

Authorities emphasized that the success of the operation was due to meticulous intelligence gathering and coordination among multiple investigative units. Cyberabad police worked diligently to map the entire network, track the flow of funds, and identify the individuals involved. While nine people have been arrested so far, police sources indicated that several others involved in the scam remain at large, suggesting that the operation was part of a larger, more intricate network. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and dismantle all elements of the fraudulent enterprise.

The use of multiple financial channels, including hawala and cryptocurrency, allowed the fraudsters to obscure the trail of the illicit funds. Hawala, an informal value transfer system often used for remittances, operates outside formal banking channels, making it difficult for authorities to trace transactions. Similarly, cryptocurrency offers anonymity and rapid transfer capabilities, which the accused exploited to move large sums of money across borders without detection. These methods reflect a growing trend among cybercriminals who adapt to technological advancements and regulatory loopholes to perpetrate financial crimes.

This case also highlights the vulnerability of ordinary citizens to sophisticated cyber scams. The combination of technical manipulation, social engineering, and psychological coercion used by the call centre operators demonstrates how easily individuals can be deceived by seemingly legitimate warnings or offers for assistance. Cybersecurity experts note that awareness and education remain crucial tools in preventing such fraud, alongside regulatory measures and international cooperation to detect and intercept illicit financial flows.

Cyberabad police have urged citizens to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited calls or emails claiming technical issues with their devices or accounts. They recommend verifying the authenticity of such communications through official channels and avoiding granting remote access or sharing sensitive financial information with unknown parties. Law enforcement authorities continue to work closely with counterparts in Australia and other jurisdictions to trace the movement of funds and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The arrest of the nine individuals marks a significant step in the fight against cross-border cybercrime. However, the case underscores the broader challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling digital fraud, particularly when operations span multiple countries and exploit emerging financial technologies. Experts emphasize the need for stronger international collaboration, enhanced regulatory oversight, and robust cybersecurity infrastructure to prevent such scams from proliferating.

In conclusion, the Cyberabad police operation not only dismantled a major international scam call centre but also brought to light the evolving nature of cyber fraud. With criminals increasingly leveraging technology, social engineering, and global financial networks, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, legal preparedness, and international cooperation in combating transnational crime. The ongoing investigation aims to apprehend all remaining suspects, recover the defrauded funds, and ensure that those responsible face appropriate legal consequences for their actions.

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