Belagavi Police have dismantled a sophisticated cyber-fraud network operating under the cover of a call centre since March 2025. The gang primarily targeted senior citizens in the United States by impersonating federal officials and using stolen data from the dark web.
Acting on an intelligence tip from Karnataka’s Internal Security Division and an anonymous letter, police raided the premises owned by Ijaz Khan, located on Bauxite Road. Authorities arrested 33 people from several Indian states and Nepal and seized 37 laptops and 37 mobile phones for forensic analysis.
The police suspect a large network with masterminds based in Gujarat and West Bengal, with efforts ongoing to arrest them. The gang’s aim was reportedly to turn Belagavi into a “new Jamtara,” replicating the cyber-fraud hub infamous in Jharkhand.
Mimicking US Federal Agencies
The Belagavi cyber police revealed the gang utilised advanced Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology combined with Urban VPNs to mask their call origins. Operators made nearly 100 calls daily, following 11 pre-written scripts tailored to manipulate victims psychologically.
Many victims were told that they had ordered expensive items like iPhones but, upon denial, were redirected to a second number controlled by scammers. Here, the gang impersonated officials from the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or other agencies, claiming victims’ personal data was misused, fostering panic and extorting money.
The gang collected sensitive banking and personal information through intimidation and deceit, making lakhs of rupees from this scheme. Salaries for the operators ranged from Rs 18,000 to Rs 45,000 per month, with additional performance bonuses.
A Growing Cybercrime Hub
Belagavi has now come under the spotlight as a budding cyber-fraud centre, reminiscent of Jamtara, a district in Jharkhand known for large-scale phone scams. The rented premises was run covertly by Ijaz Khan, who is under investigation for his involvement.
The accused hail from diverse parts of India including Gujarat, West Bengal, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and others, along with one suspect reportedly from Nepal, according to The New Indian Express. Police Commissioner Bhushan Borse has acknowledged ongoing investigations to uncover the complete extent of the network, including international affiliations.
The seized devices are undergoing forensic imaging to trace the flow of illicit money and identify further victims and collaborators. This crackdown is one among a series of national police actions aiming to curb Indian-based cyber frauds targeting foreign nationals.
Police Action
The Karnataka police registered an FIR citing various sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, including offences targeting international victims.
The raid and arrests reaffirm the police’s commitment to dismantling organised crime syndicates using technology to exploit vulnerable people globally.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Belagavi cyber-fraud bust highlights the urgent need for collective vigilance and enhanced cybersecurity awareness on a global scale. As technology advances, so do the methods employed by criminal networks bent on exploiting innocent citizens. It is crucial for governments, tech companies, and communities to collaborate on prevention, education, and enforcement.
While law enforcement’s swift action is a positive step, empowering individuals to recognise and resist such scams is equally vital.
Belagavi Police busted an international fraud call-centre on Bauxite Road, arresting 33 people. racket targeted American citizens using scripted scams and VOIP/VPN tools.33 accused have been produced in local court, accused are from various states & 1 from Nepal, none from KA pic.twitter.com/nPnpAZIMr9
— All About Belgaum | Belagavi News (@allaboutbelgaum) November 14, 2025
