CBI Arrests 4 in Punjab, Delhi for International Tech-Support Fraud

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has busted an alleged international tech-support fraud and extortion racket operating through fake call centres and offices across Punjab and Delhi. The syndicate, headed by the alleged kingpin Sourabh Rana, mainly targeted US nationals by posing online as representatives of Microsoft, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies.

The accused allegedly deployed pop-ups on computer screens displaying counterfeit Microsoft toll-free numbers that directly connected victims to fraudulent call centres run by the syndicate. They then allegedly misled victims into transferring money under the guise of repairing their systems. They also allegedly falsely claimed that victims were implicated in grave offences such as child pornography, thereby coercing them into making cryptocurrency ransom payments through cryptocurrency ATMs.

The CBI conducted raids during the intervening night of August 5 and 6, 2026, at 10 locations across Punjab and Delhi, including a fake call centre allegedly operating from the premises of the main accused in Mohali, Punjab. During the searches, incriminating material, including more than 20 mobile phones, 15 laptops/tablets, multiple hard disks/pen drives/memory cards, a huge amount of cash, incriminating documents, and crypto wallets, was seized.

The main accused, along with three alleged accomplices, Indermohan Singh, Harneet Singh, and Jappandeep Singh, has been arrested in the case. Further investigation is underway. The accused allegedly targeted several US residents, including a Florida resident who was allegedly deceived in 2022 and deposited around USD 440,000 into a Bitcoin ATM.

Another New Jersey resident was allegedly targeted using the same modus operandi in 2023. She was misled into believing that her computer had been compromised and that her banking details were being accessed by unknown entities. Coerced into compliance, she deposited approximately USD 130,000 into Bitcoin ATMs.

The CBI's crackdown on the syndicate is a significant step in combating international tech-support fraud and extortion rackets. The case highlights the importance of being cautious when receiving unsolicited calls or messages, especially those claiming to be from reputable companies or law enforcement agencies.

The investigation is ongoing, and the CBI is working to uncover the full extent of the syndicate's operations and to bring all those involved to justice. The arrests and seizures made in this case demonstrate the CBI's commitment to combating cybercrime and protecting citizens from falling prey to such scams.

The case also serves as a reminder to citizens to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. By working together, we can prevent such scams and bring those responsible to justice.

In conclusion, the CBI's busting of the alleged international tech-support fraud and extortion racket is a significant achievement in the fight against cybercrime. The case highlights the importance of being cautious and vigilant in the face of unsolicited calls or messages, and the need for citizens to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

The impact of this case will be felt not only in India but also in the US, where several residents were targeted by the syndicate. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime and protecting citizens from falling prey to such scams.

As the investigation continues, it is likely that more details will emerge about the syndicate's operations and the extent of their activities. For now, the CBI's crackdown on the syndicate is a welcome step in the fight against cybercrime, and a reminder to citizens to be cautious and vigilant in the face of unsolicited calls or messages.

The CBI's efforts to combat cybercrime are ongoing, and the agency is working to stay one step ahead of scammers and fraudsters. By being proactive and vigilant, citizens can help prevent such scams and protect themselves from falling prey to cybercrime.

In the end, the CBI's busting of the alleged international tech-support fraud and extortion racket is a significant achievement, and a reminder of the importance of being cautious and vigilant in the face of unsolicited calls or messages. By working together, we can prevent such scams and bring those responsible to justice.