Lucknow: Investigators probing an international fake call-centre racket have identified two more associates linked to arrested accused Niteshbhai Padmashali, with both men currently absconding. One is suspected to have fled to Bihar, while the other is believed to be hiding in West Bengal, officials familiar with the investigation said.Police believe the two men were present during a raid on the illegal call centre on July 1 and were involved in running the operation. However, investigators suspect they were allowed to leave the premises after money was allegedly paid to police personnel at the spot. The alleged role of the local police in facilitating their escape is now a key focus of the probe.Following internal scrutiny, a head constable and two constables have been suspended, and an inquiry is under way to determine how the suspects were not detained during the raid and whether any official action was compromised to protect them.Niteshbhai, arrested on Aug 9, is alleged to have been a key operator in a sophisticated fraud network that targeted victims in the UK and the US. Interrogation has reportedly provided investigators with details of how the racket expanded and changed tactics over time.According to police, the group initially concentrated on UK victims, allegedly using virtual UK phone numbers and softphone applications such as 3CX to make calls. Victims were persuaded to transfer money, with payments frequently routed through gift cards. Investigators said “processors” handled transactions, deducted commissions and moved funds through the network, with contacts and facilitators sourced through Telegram groups.The network later shifted focus to the US and adopted a model designed to make victims initiate contact. Bulk SMS alerts were allegedly sent warning that $200 to $500 was about to be deducted from recipients’ bank accounts. The messages included a US toll-free number, and those who called were routed through multiple operators trained to mimic legitimate bank or govt-linked services.Investigators described a three-tier structure involving “Dialers”, “Bankers” and “Closers”. Dialers allegedly collected initial personal and banking details before transferring calls. Bankers then intensified pressure by claiming accounts had been opened using a victim’s Social Security Number and warning of an impending account freeze. Closers allegedly demanded payments of $250 to $500 as “account security” or “govt treasury deposits”.Victims were commonly directed to buy Amazon, Apple, Target or Google Play gift cards and share redemption codes. In some cases, they were instructed to deposit cash via Bitcoin ATMs using barcodes supplied by the fraudsters. Police are tracing the technical infrastructure behind virtual numbers and bulk messaging, and following the financial trail.
