Four Alleged Organisers Arrested as Police Dismantle International Cyber Fraud Operation
Lucknow Police have dismantled a fake Apple customer-support call centre allegedly operating from a luxury apartment in Vibhuti Khand, arresting four alleged organisers accused of targeting people in the United States through impersonation, fraudulent websites, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology.
The raid was carried out under Operation CY-VAJRA and marks the third reported crackdown on an international cyber fraud syndicate in Lucknow within 23 days, according to police.
The case highlights the growing sophistication of cross-border impersonation scams and the increasing importance of cyber intelligence, digital forensics, and auditing services in india in combating international financial fraud.
Police Raid Apartment-Based Call Centre
The operation was conducted by Vibhuti Khand Police, assisted by the East Zone Surveillance and Crime Team.
During a raid conducted on the intervening night of July 22 and 23, officers searched an apartment in Cyber Heights, where they allegedly discovered a fully operational international call centre targeting U.S. citizens.
Four Accused Identified
Deputy Commissioner of Police (East Zone) Deeksha Sharma identified the arrested individuals as:
- Suraj Tripathi
- Vivek Pandey
- Rahul Tripathi
- Akash Arun Dutta alias Ricky
According to police, Suraj Tripathi is the alleged mastermind behind the operation.
Investigators allege that he gained experience working as a dialler at international call centres in Ahmedabad before establishing his own operation after connecting with overseas operators through Telegram groups.
Police further allege that:
- Vivek Pandey and Rahul Tripathi managed infrastructure, recruitment, and daily operations.
- Akash Arun Dutta handled technical infrastructure, including fake websites and internet-based calling systems.
The allegations remain under investigation.
Fake Apple Support Website Allegedly Used
According to investigators, the group allegedly created a fraudulent Apple Customer Support website and promoted it using Google advertisements.
Police claim this caused a fake customer-support number to appear prominently in search results.
When individuals called the number, investigators allege that:
- Calls were routed to Lucknow using VoIP technology.
- Operators impersonated Apple customer-support representatives.
- Victims were allegedly persuaded to make payments.
Police also stated that the group frequently modified its scripts and operational methods to avoid detection.
Investigators further allege that some employees believed they were working for a legitimate U.S.-based customer support company.
Cash and Electronic Devices Seized
According to police, approximately 35 agents were working from an equal number of workstations inside the apartment.
The workforce reportedly included recruits from:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Maharashtra
- Gujarat
- Nagaland
- Nepal
During the raid, officers seized:
- 31 laptops
- 14 mobile phones
- Two routers
- Other electronic equipment
Police also recovered ₹18.50 lakh in cash, allegedly found inside a Hyundai Verna linked to one of the accused.
Investigation Continues
The seized electronic devices are being subjected to forensic examination.
Investigators are working to identify overseas connections, trace digital communications, and determine the full extent of the alleged fraud targeting U.S. citizens.
The investigation is ongoing.