Major Police Raid Uncovers Online Gambling Call Centre in Bhubaneswar, Arrests Four Educated Suspects
Bhubaneswar, December 12, 2024 — In a significant operation, the Commissionerate Police successfully dismantled an online gambling call centre located in the Sundarpada area of Bhubaneswar. Four highly educated individuals were apprehended during the raid, which took place this afternoon in the Prestige apartment complex on Botanda.
Police Operation Details
The operation was led by the cyber police and a special squad from the Commissionerate Police, with support from officers at the Airfield Police station. The raid was initiated following complaints from residents who suspected illicit activities occurring within the apartment. Investigators zeroed in on F Block-602, where the call centre was found to be operating.
During the raid, law enforcement seized an array of electronic devices, including 20 smartphones, two personal computers, a laptop, and CCTV systems. Additionally, they found multiple debit cards, a router, Wi-Fi equipment, three passports, flight tickets, and approximately ₹18,700 in cash, alongside various foreign currencies and documents pertinent to the scheme.
Modus Operandi of the Call Centre
The arrested individuals, hailing from Delhi, Hyderabad, and Gujarat, had reportedly been residing in the apartment for the past six months. They orchestrated a sophisticated online scam by impersonating a Chinese gaming website, WINBUZZ365, to defraud unsuspecting victims. Prospective participants were enticed to join WhatsApp and Telegram groups with the promise of high returns on gaming investments.
Victims were instructed to make payments via UPI using QR codes. However, once they transferred the funds, their accounts would be blocked, preventing them from accessing their investments.
Sources indicate that the individuals have confessed that the headquarters for this illegal operation is in Dubai, with one branch located in Delhi.
Response from Police Officials
‘From our sources, we became aware that some individuals were staying in the apartment illegally and participating in fraudulent activities. We apprehended four people on-site. We will interrogate them to uncover further details about their operations and any additional individuals involved,’ stated Anjana Tudu, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Cyber Crime.
Resident Concerns
One resident of the apartment complex voiced their suspicions about the activities occurring within the building. “We had some suspicion that illegal activities were taking place. It became even more apparent as they seldom left the apartment and received everything online. Only one cook came in to prepare meals for them. All were from outside Odisha.”
The resident also expressed the tragic consequences of such scams. “They would persuade people to participate in online games and subsequently steal their money. Many suffer devastating losses, leading some to take drastic actions, such as suicide. Strict measures must be enacted against these criminals to prevent further tragedies.”
Looking Forward
The police are continuing their investigation to uncover the full extent of the scam and the potential involvement of other individuals. As the authorities work to address the growing issue of online gambling and related fraud, residents are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods.