ED raids 8 locations in fake call centre case, Mohali premises linked to fraud

MOHALI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at eight locations in connection with a suspected fake call centre fraud and money laundering case, with sources indicating that a key premises linked to the alleged operation was located in Sector 108, Mohali.According to sources, the ED's Chandigarh Zonal Office carried out searches at premises associated with Vijay Raj Kapuria, Varinder Raj, M/s Infimum Enterprises LLP and other persons and entities allegedly linked to the case. The searches covered locations in Chandigarh, Mohali and Madhya Pradesh.Sources said the agency recovered around Rs 20 lakh in cash, besides digital devices and other material during the searches. The action was part of an investigation into an alleged fraud targeting foreign nationals through a fake call centre.Mohali Premises Under InvestigationSources said the ED case stems from an FIR registered at Sohana police station in Mohali and the subsequent charge sheet filed by the Punjab Police.According to the investigation, an alleged illegal call centre was being operated from Emaar, Plot No. 29, Sector 108, Mohali. The operation allegedly targeted foreign nationals and generated proceeds through fraudulent means.Money Routed Through Multiple ChannelsSources said the investigation found that the alleged fraud proceeds were transferred through PayPal, Stripe, banking channels, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency transactions, besides hawala channels.The funds were allegedly subsequently routed to accounts linked to fake or shell companies based in the US, making it difficult to trace the ultimate beneficiaries.The investigation also revealed, according to sources, that the bank account of M/s Infimum Enterprise LLP received funds directly from several suspicious foreign entities allegedly used as shell companies.The ED is now examining the financial trail, digital evidence and transactions to identify the beneficiaries and determine the extent of the alleged money laundering network.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Chandigarh | Silver Rate in Chandigarh | Bank Holidays in Chandigarh | Public Holidays in Chandigarh | Chandigarh AQI | Weather in Chandigarh | Petrol Price in Chandigarh | Diesel Price in Chandigarh | CNG Price in Chandigarh | LPG Price in ChandigarhStay updated with the latest Chandigarh news. Download the TOI App.