ED conducts searches at 8 premises linked to fake Mohali call centre

The searches were conducted on August 21 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, at premises linked to Vijay Raj Kapuria, Varinder Raj, M/s Infimum Enterprises LLP and other associated persons and entities

The enforcement directorate (ED), Chandigarh zonal office, conducted search operations at eight premises across Chandigarh, Mohali, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh in connection with an alleged fraudulent call centre operating from Mohali.

The agency alleged that deceptive pop-ups and links falsely indicated technical problems with customers’ computer systems and displayed toll-free numbers connected to the call centre. (HT File)

The searches were conducted on August 21 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, at premises linked to Vijay Raj Kapuria, Varinder Raj, M/s Infimum Enterprises LLP and other associated persons and entities, the agency said in a press release issued on Sunday.

The ED initiated its investigation on the basis of an FIR registered at Sohana police station in Mohali under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the 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 charge-sheet against the accused persons.

According to the ED, its investigation found that the accused, allegedly in connivance with overseas associates, targeted customers in the US and Canada through fraudulent pop-ups and calls related to printers, iPads and purported Apple and Microsoft technical support.

The funds allegedly obtained from victims were received and transferred through PayPal, Stripe, banking channels, cryptocurrency and hawala. The money was subsequently routed through accounts of various overseas entities, primarily based in the US, including RHL Operating Solutions and RG Security Solutions LLC.

The ED said its investigation under the PMLA further revealed that the bank account of Infimum Enterprises LLP had received foreign remittances from several overseas entities identified as suspected dummy or shell entities.

The searches resulted in the seizure of unaccounted cash amounting to approximately ₹20 lakh, besides incriminating documents and electronic devices. Bank balances amounting to around ₹50 lakh were also frozen during the operation.

The agency said further investigation into the case was underway.