ED raids six locations in Ahmedabad, uncovers major crypto-hawala call centre scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted raids at six locations in Ahmedabad in connection with an illegal call centre racket involved in international fraud and money laundering.

The Hyderabad zonal office of ED revealed that the accused impersonated US government officials to intimidate foreign nationals and extort money through digital payment.

The proceeds were first converted into cryptocurrency and later laundered through hawala operators and local black market channels.

​During the operation, ED seized cryptocurrency worth around $12,000 (₹10.9 lakh) and over ₹13.50 lakh in cash from one of the main accused, Aaqib Ghanchi. Several incriminating documents and digital devices were also recovered.

​The agency froze 31 bank accounts and lockers linked to the accused and their organisations. The scam allegedly involved Mohammad Ansari Alias, Irfan Ansari, Aaqib Gulmarsul, Vikas Kenimar, Divyang Raval and Pradeep V. Rathod.

​Investigation also revealed that the accused forced victims to purchase Amazon gift cards or make online payments under false legal threats. The ED is probing foreign linkages and benami properties acquired using the proceeds of crime.