A cyber fraud racket operating from Mahape in Navi Mumbai, India, allegedly used cryptocurrency as one of its main payment channels while posing as Apple support and US banking officials.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, police arrested 13 people after investigating the call-centre operation. Authorities also recovered hundreds of SIM cards, communication devices, computers, and printed scripts allegedly used to target people in the United States.
The crypto trail identified by local authorities so far includes 5,301 USDT collected over one month. Police are now examining whether additional transactions and wallets are linked to the operation.
Fake Apple alerts
The scam allegedly began with a message designed to create an immediate sense of financial danger. According to the FIR, victims received alerts claiming that around $499 (~₹47,000) had been charged to their bank accounts. They were instructed to call a number if they had not authorised the payment.
When victims responded, callers allegedly presented themselves as Apple support employees. They claimed the victims’ devices had been compromised by a malware program called “CHAMPI” and that suspicious activity could put their bank accounts at risk. The call would then be handed to another person posing as a bank representative to make the story appear more legitimate.
Authorities claimed that the bank representative would then tell victims that their money needed to be moved to a secure account. Instead, victims were provided with cryptocurrency wallet QR codes and instructed to transfer their funds. The use of crypto gave the fraudsters another way to receive money directly from victims while maintaining the appearance of a security procedure.
Those who refused to make a crypto transfer were reportedly given another option: purchase a gift card for the same amount and provide its 16-digit code. The FIR also alleges that some team leaders obtained victims’ card numbers, expiry dates and CVVs and used the information to purchase gift cards.
5,301 USDT traced to the call centre
WhatsApp conversations found on a seized phone reportedly showed that 5,301 USDT had been collected between May 6 and June 6. The FIR values the amount at approximately ₹5.03 lakh. Police said the figure could increase as investigators examine more devices and trace additional transactions.
Police identified Parth Bharatbhai Patel, 27, as the reported partner and manager of the call centre. Jambin Jacob Balumal, 28, Naeem Haroon Rashid Sheikh, 46, and Sameer Farid Sheikh, 31, were identified as team leaders, while nine others allegedly worked as agents.
The centre reportedly relied on prepared scripts to guide conversations with American victims, including instructions on using American accents. An application identified as Microsipe in the FIR was allegedly used to receive calls from US citizens.
The seized digital records could help investigators determine whether the 5,301 USDT represents the full amount collected and trace additional transactions linked to the alleged operation.
255 SIMs found as probe expands
Police seized 255 SIM cards, six mobile phones, nine cheque books, two servers, two CPUs, two SIM boxes, a laptop and printed scripts during the investigation. The digital and communication equipment could help authorities trace calls, identify victims and follow cryptocurrency transactions linked to the alleged scam.
Police have also named Mustafa Khan, his wife Zareen and associates Purvank Shrimali, also known as KR, Iggy and Sheikh Bhai, as alleged key figures. They remain absconding.
The case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including offences related to cheating and impersonation. Investigators are continuing to examine the seized evidence and trace crypto transactions to determine the full scale of the alleged operation.
Also Read: India’s ₹1,071 Cr Cybercrime Trail Reveals a Hidden Crypto Network
