ED Busts Illegal Call Centre Syndicate Targeting US Nationals, Seizes Crypto and Cash in Ahmedabad Raids
Court / Authority
Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
Update / Judgement Date
08 Jul 2026
Source
WCP News Bulletin
Author
Manas Yadav — WCP Legal Desk
Reading Time
1 min read
View Count
2
The Directorate of Enforcement conducted coordinated search operations at six premises in Ahmedabad under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in connection with a major cyber fraud and impersonation racket targeting foreign nationals, primarily citizens of the United States.
The probe, initiated on FIRs registered by the Cyberabad Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation, uncovered a network of illegal call centres allegedly run by Mohammed Ansari alias Mohd Irfan Ansari, Akib Ghanchi, Vikas Nimar, Divyang Raval, Pradip Rathod and associates. Investigators found that victims were coerced by impersonating US government officials and private company representatives, forcing payments through gift cards and digital modes.
ED revealed that proceeds were largely laundered through Amazon gift cards and converted into cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, using online platforms and hawala-style channels. During searches, cryptocurrency worth around USD 12,000 and unaccounted cash of ₹13.5 lakh were seized, along with digital evidence. Authorities also froze 31 bank accounts and a bank locker linked to the accused.
Further investigation is ongoing as the syndicate is suspected to still be operational.
Full Judgement / Attachment
Full Judgement
Frequently asked questions about Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
- What is the CBIC?
- The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), in the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, administers customs, central excise and the Central GST and IGST. It issues notifications, circulars and instructions that field formations follow.
- How do importers and exporters file customs documents?
- Bills of entry and shipping bills are filed electronically through ICEGATE, the CBIC's customs e-commerce gateway. Most bills of entry are assessed under the Faceless Assessment system.
- How do I appeal against a customs order?
- A first appeal lies to the Commissioner (Customs Appeals) within 60 days, with a pre-deposit of 7.5 per cent of the duty in dispute. A further appeal lies to the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) within three months, with a pre-deposit of 10 per cent.
- Where are CBIC notifications published?
- Notifications and circulars on customs, GST and central excise are published on the CBIC website (cbic.gov.in) and in the Gazette of India, under separate series for tariff and non-tariff notifications.
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- Post your requirement on White Collar Professional to receive proposals from verified Chartered Accountants, customs brokers and Advocates, compare them, and pay securely through the platform. This page also tracks the latest customs or CBIC CBIC and customs updates as they are reported.
