Police dismantled an illegal call centre in Verna, South Goa, arresting 26 people accused of cheating U.S. citizens after impersonating U.S.-based bank employees. The raid seized laptops and other equipment worth about ₹55 lakh, and the case was filed under th
In the early hours of May 28, a raid moved quickly through a factory hub in Verna, South Goa. What investigators found inside the illegal setup was already in motion—an operation built to reach victims abroad through phone calls, then steer them into transferring money on false pretences.
By Friday, May 29, police said the call centre had been dismantled and 26 people had been arrested. The accused were alleged to have cheated United States citizens by impersonating bank employees, using internet-based calling systems to pose as officials from U.S.-based banks.
Police said the victims were targeted through the pressure of a fake identity. The accused allegedly persuaded people to transfer money under false pretences, often through gift cards.
All 26 accused, police said, were residing in rented accommodation at Sancoale in South Goa. They hailed from various states, including Nagaland, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
During the operation, authorities seized 145 laptops, 45 mobile phones, routers, headphones, and other electronic accessories. Police estimated the total value of the seized items at around ₹55 lakh.
Investigators also described how the operation attempted to hide its trail. Police said the accused used virtual private network (VPN)-based calling and spoofing technology to mask their identity and location while contacting victims abroad.
A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. A local court on Thursday, May 28, remanded all the accused in police custody for two days, and officials said further investigation is under way to identify others involved in the racket.
As the accused remain in custody, police urged the public to contact the national cybercrime helpline ‘1930’ or approach the nearest police station if they notice suspicious activity.
Goa call centre busted 26 arrested Verna Industrial Estate Sancoale rented accommodation U.S. citizens fraud gift cards scam VPN calling spoofing technology BNS Information Technology Act cybercrime helpline 1930