The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out raids at six locations in Ahmedabad in connection with an illegal call centre racket involved in international fraud and money laundering.
According to the ED’s Hyderabad zonal office, the accused allegedly impersonated US government officials to threaten foreign nationals and extort money through digital payments. The illegal earnings were first converted into cryptocurrency and later laundered through hawala channels and local black-market networks.
During the searches, officials seized cryptocurrency worth about $12,000 (₹10.9 lakh) and ₹13.5 lakh in cash from one of the main accused, Aaqib Ghanchi, along with several incriminating documents and electronic devices. The agency also froze 31 bank accounts and lockers linked to the accused and their organisations.
The alleged scam involves several individuals, including Mohammad Ansari (alias), Irfan Ansari, Aaqib Gulmarsul, Vikas Kenimar, Divyang Raval and Pradeep V. Rathod. Investigators found that victims were often pressured to purchase Amazon gift cards or make online payments under false legal threats.
The ED is continuing its probe to trace international connections and benami properties suspected to have been acquired using the proceeds of the crime.