The Bank Fraud Section (BFS) of Kolkata’s Detective Department has successfully dismantled an international call centre scam, arresting five individuals and seizing over Rs 28 lakh, along with hardware and other related equipment.
The operation came to light after the BFS received a tip-off from a popular YouTuber known for investigating fake call centres globally. The YouTuber, who operates the “Scammer Payback” channel, played a key role in exposing the operation.
The fraudulent call centre operated out of two condos in Active Acres, Tangra. The scammers primarily targeted foreign nationals, especially from the United States, by posing as company representatives. They gained control over the victims’ devices and manipulated their personal and financial details to steal money from their bank accounts.
“In one case, a foreign national was cheated of approximately Rs 8.7 lakh ($10,000), which was seized by our team,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime & Traffic) Rupesh Kumar.
The first four arrests took place at Active Acres, where the suspects—Yaser Iqbal (52), Rayaan Iqbal (22), Anuvab Shaw (29), and Shain Mohammed (32)—were apprehended. Yaser and Rayaan are residents of Active Acres, while Anuvab and Shain live in the Chandni Chowk area and Bright Street, respectively. The fifth suspect, Kurt Mansharamai (31), was arrested later in Greenfield City, Maheshtala, where additional money and equipment were seized.
