The Pune police have uncovered a fraudulent call center operating on the 9th floor of the Pride Icon building, located in Kharadi. This operation was carried out following an international complaint received by the Central Home Ministry. On the Ministry's directives, Pune Cyber Police, Crime Branch, and local police conducted a coordinated raid.
During the raid, five individuals were apprehended, while two suspects remain untraceable. Authorities have filed FIRs against 123 people who were part of the call center's operations in various capacities.
Joint Police Commissioner Ranjan Kumar Sharma stated that the bogus call center was targeting foreign nationals. The suspects are accused of extorting money by threatening victims with “digital arrest.” At the scene, police seized 41 mobile phones and 62 laptops used for blackmail and fraud.
Sources reveal that most of the arrested suspects hail from Gujarat, but some may be linked to Maharashtra as well. Karan Shekhawat is reportedly the mastermind behind the operation. The call center, named 'Magnetal BPL & Consultancy,' has been operational for the last three months.
All 123 employees are currently being interrogated as police work to identify the full scope of this international fraud ring.
