Kapurthala Police have uncovered a massive cyber fraud racket operating out of Phagwara, Punjab. The network, which primarily targeted people in the United States and Canada, was exposed after a well-planned raid based on secret intelligence inputs.
Police arrested 36 accused on the spot and seized a large cache of items including 40 laptops, 67 mobile phones, and ₹10 lakh in cash. According to officials, the accused posed as software solution providers to defraud foreign nationals.
Key Accused and International Links
Investigations reveal that the racket was headed locally by Amrinder Singh, alias Sabhi Tohri, who had leased the premises used for the operations. Singh is believed to be connected to Suraj from Delhi, who in turn has ties to a suspect named Shen from Kolkata.
Police sources confirmed that transactions were conducted mainly through Bitcoin, with additional reliance on hawala channels. This highlights the group’s reliance on modern financial networks to conceal illegal earnings and evade detection.
Authorities said the discovery of these linkages points to a larger, well-organized nexus operating across states. Cyber Crime officials in Kapurthala have already registered a case, and investigations are continuing to trace both backward and forward linkages of the racket.
Victims Abroad, Nexus at Home
The fraud primarily targeted citizens in North America, where unsuspecting victims were duped through fake technical support and software solutions. Cyber experts explain that such scams often involve fake call centers posing as IT support providers. Victims, believing they were dealing with genuine technicians, transferred large sums of money for fake services.
By establishing operations in Phagwara, the accused attempted to exploit Punjab’s global diaspora connections and strong digital infrastructure. However, police action has brought their activities to an abrupt end.
Police Action and Ongoing Probe
The operation was part of a larger crackdown against cybercrime networks in Punjab. A police spokesperson said, “This is a significant breakthrough in dismantling organized cyber fraud operations. We remain committed to ensuring a safe and secure Punjab.”
Authorities are now working to identify money trails and connections abroad. International law enforcement agencies may be contacted, especially given the racket’s focus on US and Canadian citizens.
Rising Cybercrime in Punjab
Punjab, like several other states, has witnessed a rise in cyber fraud cases in recent years. Scammers often set up illegal call centers and use digital payment systems to target global victims. The bust in Kapurthala demonstrates how fraudsters combine local manpower with international contacts to execute large-scale scams.
Experts warn that the use of Bitcoin and hawala networks makes it challenging to trace the flow of money. Law enforcement agencies are now adopting advanced digital tools to monitor transactions and strengthen cross-border coordination.
Public Awareness Crucial
Officials have urged the public to remain cautious about suspicious calls or emails, especially those claiming to provide urgent technical support. They recommend verifying service providers before making any payments.
The Kapurthala Police have also encouraged people to report suspected fraud immediately to cyber helplines and local police stations. This, they say, will help dismantle networks before they expand.
With the arrest of 36 accused and recovery of digital equipment, authorities believe they have struck a major blow against one such network. However, the larger investigation continues to identify others linked to the racket, both within India and abroad.