Pune (Maharashtra): A major cybercrime bust was carried out by Pune Cyber Police at a bogus call center operating out of the Pride Icon Building in Kharadi. The fraudulent firm, operating under the name Magnetel BPS & Consultants LLP, was scamming American citizens by threatening them with so-called “digital arrests”, and extorting thousands of dollars.
Modus Operandi
The gang used to call American citizens, claiming criminal charges were filed against them and warning of immediate “digital arrest.” Victims were then coerced into paying through Amazon gift vouchers or Bitcoin. Through this deceitful method, the criminals managed to extract thousands of dollars.
Items Seized During the Raid
- 64 laptops
- 41 mobile phones
- 4 routers
- English scripts used for scamming
- Employee ID cards
- ₹13.74 lakh in cash
Arrests and Investigation
So far, five individuals have been arrested, and three are absconding. According to police, the call center had been operational for over a year and employed 123 people. Cyber police are now investigating potential links to similar rackets across other states. Deputy Commissioner of Pune Cyber Police, Ranjankumar Sharma, stated,
