Massive cybercrime ring targeting US citizens busted in Andhra’s Anakapalli; 33 held

Anakapalli: In a significant breakthrough, a massive international cybercrime syndicate posing as Amazon customer support representatives, operating out of Achyutapuram, was busted.

The operation was done by the Anakapalli District Police, acting on a formal complaint from the Village Revenue Officer (VRO) and intelligence inputs.

The sophisticated scam, comprising 33 persons, was targeted towards US citizens. The accused were committing identity theft through impersonation. They have been arrested and presented for judicial remand.

Cops found trainees being taught how to scam people

Simultaneous raids were conducted at three locations in Achyutapuram, and authorities seized several computers, networking devices, digital infrastructure and Rs 3 lakh in cash.

Multiple vehicles, furnishings and amenities used to run the centres as both residences and training hubs were also identified. Several individuals found onsite were identified as trainees undergoing induction.

Modus operandi

An intricate organisational structure was uncovered:

Dialers used spoofed VOIP calls to impersonate Amazon fraud support and contact US citizens.

Bankers pretended to be officials from US banks or the FTC, extracting sensitive information.

Closures manipulated victims into purchasing and sharing gift card codes.

Managers laundered proceeds using online tools, cryptocurrencies and the dark web.

HR/Admin recruited and trained staff—mostly from Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Gujarat—in call scripts and impersonation tactics.

Salary breakdown

Dialers: Rs 20,000/month

Bankers: Rs 35,000–Rs 40,000/month

Closures: Rs 50,000/month

Managers: Rs 75,000/month

Each closure agent handled multiple victims daily, leading to estimated financial frauds amounting to crores of rupees monthly.

Details of the key accused:

Punit Goswami – Maharashtra

Avihant Daga – Rajasthan

Both have been arrested. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend top-tier masterminds behind the operation.

Why is this case significant?

According to Anakapalli SP Tuhin Sinha, “Targets are international victims, particularly US citizens, risking India’s global reputation. They are involved in a well-coordinated syndicate using advanced technology, psychological manipulation and digital laundering. Victims suffered financial losses running into thousands of dollars each.”

The operation used VOIP masking, spoofed calls, identity theft and international money laundering. Evidence points to a broad, organised network with national and global reach.

A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at Achyutapuram Police Station under Section 318(4) BNS – Large-scale electronic cheating, Section 61(2) r/w 3(5) BNS – Participation in organised crime syndicate, Section 111(2)(b)(3) BNS – Abetting organized crime, Sections 66C & 66D IT Act – Identity theft and electronic impersonation, Sections 420, 120B, and 34 IPC – Cheating, criminal conspiracy, and shared intent.

The Anakapalli Police, with support from cyber forensic specialists and allied agencies, are conducting a thorough investigation. Efforts are focused on tracking financial and digital footprints, dismantling the full syndicate network, and identifying international links and top-level perpetrators.