An illegal call center operating out of a rented flat in the Yogipur neighborhood, under the jurisdiction of the Patrakar Nagar police station in Patna, has been dismantled by authorities. The operators were running a deceptive scheme under the guise of facilitating Pradhan Mantri Mudra loans and various other credit schemes. During the police raid, investigators seized 14 mobile phones, one laptop, a tablet, 15 ATM cards, 5 checkbooks, 4 passbooks, 3 notebooks, and 7 SIM cards. Additionally, police confiscated cash totaling 6,08,650 rupees from the premises. Three individuals identified as Akshay, Rimjhim, and Shivam were arrested in connection with the operation. The suspects utilized platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and various social media channels to advertise fraudulent loan offers to the public.
The Trio Formed Connections During College
Investigations revealed that the collaboration began during their college days when Akshay and Rimjhim first became friends. Akshay later introduced Rimjhim to Shivam, and the trio established the fraudulent call center together. Each member had specific responsibilities within the group. Akshay and Shivam were tasked with social media outreach and advertising, while Rimjhim handled the communication with potential victims. She was responsible for convincing applicants who clicked on their links. Once she successfully lured a victim, she would issue a fake approval letter. She would then extort processing fees ranging from 500 to 2,000 rupees via QR code or UPI. If a victim questioned why the loan funds were not disbursed, Rimjhim would simply block their phone number.
Cases Filed Across Multiple States
Cyber DSP and Station House Officer Nitish Chandra Dhariya stated that the trio had been operating this call center for approximately one year. Notably, the group faces multiple pending cases in various states, including Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Police are currently conducting raids in several locations to apprehend two remaining suspects who are still on the run.
Illicit Trade of Identity-Free SIM Cards
DSP Nitish Chandra Dhariya further disclosed that the gang obtained their SIM cards from a local shop near the Kanti Factory in the Bhootnath area, under the Agamkuan police station. These SIM cards were sold without any required documentation for a price between 2,500 and 3,000 rupees. Police are currently working to locate and arrest the owner of that shop. It is expected that once the shopkeeper is apprehended, further details regarding the extent of this illicit operation will be revealed.
