Mumbai Crime Branch Shuts Down Bogus Call Centre Selling Viagra to Americans
In a major crackdown, the Mumbai Crime Branch has dismantled a bogus call centre operating in Sakinaka, involved in the illegal sale of Viagra and other banned prescription drugs to American citizens. Six individuals were arrested in connection with the racket, which was being run without proper licenses and with the intent to evade Indian tax laws. Authorities have seized crucial data and equipment as the investigation continues.
The Racket: VoIP Technology and Banned Medicines
The call centre, which used Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology via VC Dialer, contacted American customers while posing as legitimate telemarketers. The accused allegedly sold prescription medications, including Viagra, to American citizens without proper authorization, exploiting online payment systems to transfer funds from the US.
During the raid, police seized six hard disks, two mobile phones, a pen drive, and essential data from six computers. This data is currently under analysis to uncover more details about the operation and potential leads to other involved parties.
Six Arrested, Fake Identities Used to Evade Detection
The arrested individuals include Asad Saleem Sayyad, 32, the call centre owner, Zaid Ehsan Shaikh, 31, the manager, and four telecallers: Ovais Ehsan Shaikh, 27; Taufiq Wasim Shaikh, 27; Adnan Ahmed Sayyed, 21; and Rehan Yaya Khan, 18. The suspects were produced before a court and remanded in police custody until February 4.
According to officials from Unit 10 of the Mumbai Crime Branch, the operation was exposed after receiving a tip-off. Police officers raided the Sakinaka building on a Saturday night, confirming the existence of the illegal call centre and detaining the suspects for interrogation.
Fake Identities and Accents Used to Gain Trust
During questioning, it was revealed that the suspects used fake identities and American accents to convince customers they were legitimate operators. For example, Rehan Khan posed as ‘David,’ Adnan Ahmed Sayyed as ‘Kevin James,’ Ovais Ahsan Ali Shaikh as ‘Jack,’ and Taufiq Shaikh as ‘Sam.’ The owner, Asad Sayyad, went by ‘Peter,’ while the manager, Zaid Shaikh, used the alias ‘Ricky.’ This deception was part of the strategy to avoid detection by American authorities.
A Complex Operation Involving Online Payments and Tax Evasion
The investigation uncovered that the illegal operation had been running for several months, sourcing banned drugs from a contact in Kalina. The group utilized various online payment platforms to receive payments from US customers, bypassing Indian tax regulations in the process. Police are now focusing on the supply chain, aiming to trace the origins of the unlicensed drugs being sold.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Action
A case has been registered at the Sakinaka police station, with further inquiries being carried out by the Mumbai Crime Branch’s Unit 10. The authorities are focused on investigating how the banned drugs were sourced and whether there are any additional players involved in the operation. The ongoing investigation will also aim to uncover any further criminal activities associated with the illegal sale of prescription drugs to foreign nationals.
Key Takeaways:
- A bogus call centre in Sakinaka, Mumbai, was busted for selling Viagra and other banned drugs to Americans.
- Six people, including the owner and manager, were arrested.
- The operation used fake identities and VoIP technology to evade detection.
- Police are investigating the supply chain and tax evasion linked to the operation.
