In a major breakthrough against cross-border cybercrime, the Cyberabad Police have dismantled a highly sophisticated fake international call centre that conned Australian citizens of an estimated Rs 8-10 crore over the past two years. Operating under the deceptive name ‘Ridge IT Solutions,’ the racket ran from Hyderabad’s bustling Madhapur area while posing as a legitimate IT service provider.
The unfolding of a high-tech scam
The fraud began with the scammers sending fake warning pop-ups and emails to Australian citizens, falsely alerting them that their computers had been hacked or compromised. Concerned victims dialed the ‘customer care’ number displayed on these pop-ups, unknowingly connecting to the fake call centre via the X-Lite application, which was linked directly to ‘Ridge IT Solutions.’
Once connected, the tele-callers, trained specifically for cyber deception, used advanced social engineering tactics to convince victims to download AnyDesk, a remote access tool. With access to the victims’ systems, the fraudsters effortlessly captured online banking credentials and siphoned off large sums without authorisation.
Complex money-laundering web
The stolen funds never travelled directly to India. Instead, the operation relied on a network of ‘mule accounts’ in Australia, bank accounts belonging to Indian nationals and students residing there. The cybercriminals used these accounts as the first point of deposit before funnelling the money to India via illegal channels, including Hawala networks and cryptocurrency transfers, making the trail harder to track.
During the raid, police recovered critical documents showing 45 Australian bank accounts used in the scheme. Officials believe hundreds more accounts may have been exploited over the two-year period.
The raid: Key accused and seizures
A joint operation led by the Cyberabad Special Operations Team (SOT) and the Cyber Crime Police resulted in the arrest of nine members of the syndicate. Police have confirmed that additional arrests are expected.
The masterminds behind the operation have been identified as Praveen and Prakash, cousins from Khammam district, who established the fake call centre last year. They recruited seven tele-callers from Kolkata, training them specifically in cyber fraud techniques and even arranging their stay in Hyderabad.
Two local associates, Yepuri Ganesh (30) and Marampudu Chenna Keshava (26), managed daily office logistics and staff movements.
Arrested tele-callers:
- Eazaz Ahmed (42), Odisha
- Sambit Roy (27), Kolkata
- Shannik Banerjee (24), Kolkata
- Moumita Mallick (33), Kolkata
- Silpi Samadder (33), Kolkata
- Kunal Singh (37), Kolkata
- Moumita Mondal (27), Kolkata
Items seized during the operation:
- 12 HP desktop computers
- 21 mobile phones
- 2 TP-Link routers
- Mahindra Thar SUV
- 3 rubber stamps
- Passport of accused Yepuri Ganesh
A case has been registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station, Cyberabad, with investigations underway to trace foreign links and deeper money trails.
Police advisory: A warning to students and NRIs
In the wake of the bust, the Cyberabad Police issued a strong advisory directed at Indian students abroad and NRI parents, warning them against sharing, renting, or selling their international bank accounts to anyone.
Authorities cautioned that such actions are illegal and can lead to serious criminal liability, as these accounts are frequently exploited for cyber fraud and money laundering operations.
Reporting cybercrime
Citizens are urged to report any cyber fraud or suspicious activity immediately by calling the Cyber Fraud Helpline 1930 or contacting the Cyberabad Police via WhatsApp at 9490617444.
