The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched extensive raids in Delhi’s Khanpur area late Thursday night, targeting a fraudulent call centre accused of defrauding US citizens through a sophisticated scam involving pirated software. The searches, which began around 10:30 PM under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), cover three premises and are ongoing as the agency investigates a network that allegedly duped victims by pitching fictitious or pirated software misrepresented as legitimate products, such as Microsoft Windows.

Preliminary investigations indicate the call centre operated a well-organized scheme, targeting international clients, particularly in the US, with deceptive sales tactics. ED sources estimate the operation amassed approximately Rs 100 crore in foreign remittances between 2016-17 and 2024-25, channeling illicit funds through complex financial networks. The agency is now tracing the money trail to identify key operators and their methods of laundering proceeds.

Officials suspect the perpetrators used advanced communication tools and fake identities to maintain anonymity while luring victims with offers of discounted software. The raids aim to seize digital evidence, including call logs, financial records, and devices used in the scam. This crackdown highlights India’s growing efforts to combat cross-border cybercrime, with the ED coordinating with international agencies to address the scam’s global reach. Further investigations are underway to uncover additional accomplices and the full extent of the fraudulent network.

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