ED Arrests Hyderabad Man in Alleged Scam Targeting US Citizens

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested a Hyderabad resident as part of its investigation into an alleged international fraud network that reportedly targeted United States citizens through a fake call center. The agency believes the operation generated large illegal proceeds that were later routed through suspected money laundering channels.

The accused, identified as Vikas Kumar, is alleged to have operated the fraudulent setup from Hyderabad, where investigators say a bogus call center was used to contact people living in the United States. According to officials, the callers allegedly deceived victims through false claims and intimidation, resulting in significant financial losses.

The ED launched its probe after examining financial transactions connected to a case that was originally registered in Madhapur in 2023. During the investigation, officials focused on the movement of funds, including overseas financial transfers, to trace the flow of money generated through the suspected fraud.

Investigators believe the network specifically selected American citizens as targets and allegedly used threats and misleading communication to obtain money from victims. The agency stated that the group is suspected of collecting crores of rupees through the operation before attempting to conceal the proceeds through money laundering activities.

As part of the ongoing investigation, ED teams carried out searches at locations in Hyderabad on Tuesday morning. Following the raids, officials arrested Vikas Kumar for his alleged involvement in the case.

The Enforcement Directorate said the investigation is continuing to determine the full extent of the fraud, identify additional individuals connected to the network, and trace the complete financial trail linked to the alleged illegal operation.