Mumbai, June 25: The Cyber Police Station of New Delhi has successfully dismantled a cyber fraud call center operating under the guise of an insurance brokerage in Mumbai. This operation led to the arrest of three suspects linked to the case.
The investigation began after a senior citizen reported being defrauded during a health insurance policy renewal. The complaint was filed through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). The victim received a WhatsApp call from someone impersonating an executive of a reputable health insurance company. Under the pretense of handling policy renewal formalities, the caller convinced the victim to share sensitive credit card information.
Subsequently, three unauthorized transactions totaling ₹1,60,596 were made from the victim’s credit card, amounting to a cumulative loss of ₹4,81,788. A case was registered at the New Delhi Cyber Police Station on April 17 under relevant sections, and an investigation was initiated.
Police investigations revealed that the fraudulently obtained funds were used to purchase gold bars, including two 10-gram and two 5-gram bars. Technical analysis indicated that a group operating from Mumbai, Maharashtra, was involved.
A specialized team from the New Delhi District Cyber Police, including SI Anurag, Head Constable Manoj, Head Constable Drona, and Head Constable Vijay, conducted extensive technical surveillance and field verification in Mumbai. Based on credible technical intelligence, they raided an office in Malad West, which was falsely presented as a legitimate third-party health insurance brokerage firm.
During the raid, it was discovered that the location was being used for fraudulent tele-calling activities targeting insurance policyholders across the country. Several tele-callers were found making deceitful calls related to insurance.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Sahil Ahmed Sheikh (23), Umer Ali Syed (23), and Varun Gupta (22). All three had previously worked as tele-callers for other insurance brokerage firms. Additionally, 13 accomplices were restricted under section 35(3) of the relevant act.
The investigation revealed that the suspects had established a well-organized cyber fraud module under the pretext of an insurance brokerage office. They utilized customer databases to identify potential victims and contacted them regarding insurance policy renewals, cancellations, or refund processing. After gaining the victims’ trust, the suspects persuaded them to disclose confidential banking information such as credit card details and OTPs. The stolen card details were then immediately used for expensive online purchases of gold bars, which were later converted into cash to launder the proceeds of the crime.
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