Wed Dec 24 18:46:40 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in India has arrested Chandra Prakash Gupta in connection with a large-scale illegal call-center scam operating near Delhi. The scam, active from November 2022 to April 2024, defrauded US nationals of approximately $15 million. Gupta, a key accused in tech-support fraud involving impersonating tech service providers, had been absconding since July 2024. The ED’s investigation, initiated based on a CBI case, has identified over ₹100 crore in assets bought with the illicit funds. Raids conducted on December 19-20 seized jewelry, cash, vehicles, luxury watches, and documents. The scam involved employees operating illegal call centers in Noida and Gurugram, using deceptive pop-up alerts to impersonate Microsoft technical support and gain access to victims’ computers. They then extracted personal and financial information and tricked victims into transferring funds, which were laundered through shell companies via Hong Kong. Key accused Arjun Gulati, Abhinav Kalra, and Divyansh Goel remain at large.
News Article:
Indian Authorities Bust Major Call Center Scam Targeting US Citizens, One Arrest Made
NEW DELHI, December 25, 2025 – Indian law enforcement has dismantled a large-scale “illegal” call center operation that allegedly defrauded US nationals out of an estimated $15 million. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced the arrest of Chandra Prakash Gupta, a key suspect in the scam, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
According to the ED, the criminal syndicate operated from areas surrounding Delhi between November 2022 and April 2024. The scheme involved employees at illicit call centers in Noida and Gurugram posing as Microsoft technical support staff through deceptive pop-up messages, gaining access to victims’ computers and extracting sensitive personal and financial information. Victims were then coerced into transferring funds under the false pretense of protecting their money from hacking threats.
“By using sophisticated technical systems, the accused impersonated Microsoft technical support and persuaded victims to install remote access software gaining complete control over their computer systems.” the ED stated in a release.
The illegally obtained funds were subsequently laundered through a complex network of shell companies, involving wire transfers to Hong Kong, conversion to cryptocurrencies, and eventual reinvestment into the accounts of the accused.
Following a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation, the ED conducted raids on December 19-20 at 10 locations linked to the masterminds of the operation, seizing approximately ₹1.75 crore in jewelry, over ₹10 lakh in cash, four high-end vehicles, eight luxury watches, digital devices, and crucial documents. Assets worth over ₹100 crore acquired with the ill-gotten money have also been identified.
While Gupta is now in custody, the ED confirmed that key figures Arjun Gulati, Abhinav Kalra, and Divyansh Goel remain at large.
“However, key accused persons Arjun Gulati, Abhinav Kalra, and Divyansh Goel, remain absconding,” said the agency.
The investigation is ongoing, and the ED is working with the State Excise Department to address the discovery of excessive amounts of undeclared liquor at multiple premises during the raids.
This bust represents a significant victory in the ongoing fight against international cybercrime and money laundering. The ED is determined to track down the remaining suspects and bring them to justice.
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