Anti-Cybercrime Operation Busts Myanmar-Style Network in Andhra Pradesh

Strategic Insights -

Police conducted a high-stakes raid on a group of call centers operating in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalli district, dismantling a network that had been deceiving victims in the US, UK, Australia, and other countries. Over 100 people, including women, were detained and taken for questioning. The network, allegedly operating for two years, had been using youths with distinct English accents to lure victims into transferring money.

Key Takeaways:

  • The police busted a Myanmar-style cybercrime network operating in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalli district, detaining over 100 people, including women.
  • The accused targeted individuals in the US, UK, Australia, and other countries, using their English accents to deceive victims.
  • The network had been operating for two years, with the police conducting a four-month surveillance before the raid.
  • The offices were staffed by individuals from outside Andhra, mostly from northeastern states, and were located in apartments and group houses in the Atchutapuram SEZ and industrial area.
  • The suspects claimed ignorance of the fraud, stating they had joined only a week earlier and were still in the "employee induction" phase.
  • The investigators have identified three distinct roles among the suspects and have not yet identified the kingpin.
  • Two of the raided call centers were earning about Rs 5 crore per month.
  • The network's modus operandi involved luring US citizens with lucrative offers and schemes, gaining their trust before persuading them to transfer money.
  • The staff had a scripted approach, using a tutorial book-like script to prolong conversations and convince victims to part with their money.
  • Each day, around 200 to 300 phone calls were made to people in various parts of the world in an effort to trap them.
  • The initial probe revealed that many of the suspects were lured by monthly salaries ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000.

Statistics:

  • Over 100 people, including women, were detained in the anti-cybercrime operation.
  • The network had been operating for two years, with a monthly income of approximately Rs 5 crore from two call centers.
  • The suspects made around 200 to 300 phone calls each day to potential victims in various parts of the world.
  • The police conducted a four-month surveillance before the raid.
  • Atchutapuram SEZ and industrial area has evolved into an industrial hub with apartment complexes and group houses.

Sources:

  • Times of India, Siva G, Visakhapatnam, January [undisclosed].