Lucknow: A forensic examination of digital devices seized from two fake call centres busted in Lucknow has uncovered the sophisticated technology behind an alleged international cyber fraud racket that targeted American citizens using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calling systems to evade conventional telecom surveillance.
The findings have emerged from an ongoing investigation by the Lucknow Crime Branch following two major raids conducted on July 1 and July 17, which exposed organised cybercrime operations allegedly running from the city.
The first operation, carried out at an office in the Summit Building, led to the arrest of 119 people. Investigators said the call centre operated primarily during night hours to align with US business timings and allegedly posed as representatives of leading American technology companies and government agencies to deceive victims.
Police recovered 103 laptops, 177 mobile phones, 116 headsets, eight internet routers, a biometric attendance device, calling scripts and databases containing personal information of foreign nationals. Officials also seized forged documents allegedly used to make the fraudulent operations appear legitimate.
In the second raid, conducted at another call centre operating from a residential housing society, seven more suspects were arrested. Investigators recovered digital records linked to at least one American victim who was allegedly defrauded of nearly $70,000.
Cases have been registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Information Technology Act and the Telecommunications Act, 2023. All seized electronic devices are undergoing detailed forensic analysis.
VoIP at the Core of the Fraud
Investigators believe the syndicates relied heavily on VoIP technology instead of traditional international telephone networks. Internet-based calling enabled operators to contact victims overseas at minimal cost while making calls significantly more difficult to trace through conventional telecom records.
According to the investigation, the infrastructure relied largely on readily available software and low-cost digital tools, allowing operators to run an international fraud network from a relatively modest office setup. Authorities suspect the technology enabled the racket to generate substantial illegal proceeds while masking its communications.
The operational model bears similarities to other cyber fraud rackets uncovered across the country, including fake call centres that allegedly used fabricated legal threats, technical support scams and impersonation tactics to extort money from overseas victims.
Investigation Expands
Digital forensic experts are now analysing the seized devices to reconstruct the network’s communication systems, identify internet infrastructure used by the accused and establish individual roles within the organisation. Investigators are also examining possible links with foreign-based handlers and other organised cybercrime syndicates operating through similar methods.
The probe is expected to determine how internet services and calling platforms were procured, whether encrypted communication channels were used and if the network maintained operational links with similar fraud groups elsewhere.
Cybersecurity experts note that VoIP technology has increasingly become a preferred tool for organised cybercriminals because it allows them to conceal their identities while impersonating government officials, bank representatives or technical support executives. They stress that digital forensics, international cooperation and intelligence sharing remain critical to dismantling such transnational fraud networks.
The Lucknow Police Commissionerate said the investigation is continuing in coordination with telecom service providers and other agencies to obtain additional technical evidence. Officials indicated that further arrests and legal action could follow as forensic analysis of the seized devices progresses.
