CBI arrests key accused linked to illegal call centre targeting U.S. nationals

New Delhi: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested the alleged mastermind behind a transnational cyber-enabled financial fraud syndicate that operated illegal call centres from Delhi-NCR and duped US nationals of nearly $8.5 million, officials said on Friday.

The accused, identified as Lakhan Jaiprakash Jagwani, was absconding since the registration of the case on 9 Dec, 2025. He was arrested in Delhi on May 13, a senior official said.

The case pertains to a large-scale racket allegedly being run from illegal call centres operating in New Delhi, Noida and other locations since Sept 2022. Investigators alleged that the accused, along with his accomplices, impersonated officials of US govt agencies, including Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Social Security Administration, to target American citizens.

Using fake identities, emails and calls over the internet via Voice over Internet Protocol, the syndicate allegedly forced the victims into transferring large sums of money. The agency said the victims were duped of nearly $8.5 million.

During raids carried out last year, the agency busted an illegal call centre operating from Noida.

Officials said cash worth Rs 1.9 crore, along with several incriminating documents, was recovered and seized from a residential property in Greater Noida on Dec 11, 2025.

According to investigators, Jagwani allegedly played a crucial role in establishing and operating the illegal call centre infrastructure used to carry out the fraud.

“The case is part of a growing number of cybercrime investigations involving international scam networks operating from India and targeting foreign nationals through impersonation and digital communication platforms,” a senior official said.