Pune Police Bust Fake Call Centre In Kharadi, Accused Cheated Americans With ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam
Kharadi, 24th May 2025: In a major midnight operation, Pune Cyber Police raided a fake call center operating out of the 9th floor of the Pride Icon building in Kharadi, dismantling a sophisticated cyber fraud racket targeting American citizens. More than 100 individuals, including several young women, were taken into custody during the raid.
The scam, operating under the guise of “Digital Arrest,” involved threatening U.S. residents with fabricated legal notices and coercing them into transferring large sums of money. Police confiscated 61 laptops, 41 mobile phones, and other vital evidence from the scene.
Acting on a tip-off, the police uncovered the illegal operations of Magnetel BPS and Consultancy LLP, a bogus firm based along the Kharadi-Mundhwa bypass. The syndicate, allegedly spearheaded by key suspects from Gujarat, had been orchestrating cyber scams from this location. The scammers impersonated U.S. government officials or law enforcement officers over phone calls, using fear tactics to extort victims by warning them of imaginary criminal charges.
The Pune Crime Branch deployed a force of over 150 officers for the raid, which began late at night. Investigators are currently interrogating five prime suspects and questioning another 100 to 150 individuals linked to the operation. Preliminary findings indicate that most of those employed at the fake call center hail from Gujarat.
Police revealed that the operation was highly organized. Victims were contacted with fake legal threats, often under the pretense of pending charges, and pressured into transferring money to avoid supposed digital arrests. This scam reveals a disturbing new evolution in cybercrime techniques.
Authorities are now conducting a deeper investigation into the racket’s origins, examining the seized devices to uncover detailed records of the fraud. Coordination with Gujarat police is underway to trace the masterminds behind the scam. Officials are also scrutinizing financial transactions and bank accounts used in the fraud.
Pune Police have urged the public to remain vigilant against cyber scams. Citizens are advised not to respond to suspicious calls or messages and to immediately report any dubious activity to the Cyber Crime Unit.
