Chandigarh: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Chandigarh Zonal Office, conducted searches at eight premises across Chandigarh, Mohali, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh on August 21 in connection with an alleged fraudulent call centre operation.
According to an ED press release dated August 24, the premises were linked to Vijay Raj Kapuria, Varinder Raj, Infimum Enterprises LLP and other associated persons and entities. The searches were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Investigation linked to Mohali call centre
The ED said the investigation was initiated on the basis of an FIR registered at Sohana police station in SAS Nagar under various provisions of the IPC and Information Technology Act. The case relates to the alleged operation of a fraudulent call centre from Plot No. 29, Emaar, Sector 108, Mohali. Punjab Police has also filed a chargesheet against the accused, according to the agency.
The ED investigation allegedly found that the accused, in coordination with overseas associates, targeted customers in the US and Canada through deceptive pop-ups and telephone calls claiming to offer technical support for printers, iPads and Apple or Microsoft products.
Investigators said the operators allegedly used pre-designed scripts to convince victims that their systems had technical problems. They then allegedly persuaded customers to provide remote access to their devices and make payments for unnecessary or fictitious services.
Money allegedly routed through multiple channels
According to the ED, funds allegedly received from victims were transferred through PayPal, Stripe, banking channels, Bitcoin/cryptocurrency and hawala.
The agency said the money was subsequently routed through accounts of overseas entities, mainly based in the US, including RHL Operating Solutions and RG Security Solutions LLC.
The investigation also allegedly found that the bank account of Infimum Enterprises LLP received foreign remittances from several overseas entities identified as suspected dummy or shell entities.
Cash and bank balances seized
During the searches, the ED said it recovered unaccounted cash worth approximately ₹20 lakh, along with documents and electronic devices considered relevant to the investigation.
Bank balances amounting to approximately ₹50 lakh were also frozen, according to the agency.
The ED said further investigation in the case is underway.
