CBI arrests key operative of illegal call centre targeting US nationals

The CBI arrested Vikas Kumar Nimar, an absconding cybercrime operative, and dismantled an illegal call centre in Lucknow targeting US nationals. The operation recovered cash, laptops, and documents, continuing efforts to crack down on organised tech-enabled crime with INTERPOL coordination.

Hyderabad: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a key absconding operative of a transnational cybercrime network and dismantled an illegal call centre in Lucknow that was allegedly targeting US nationals.

The suspect, Vikas Kumar Nimar, had been on the run since September 2024 after the CBI registered a case and busted four illegal call centres linked to the network in Pune, Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. Nimar was believed to be instrumental in establishing and operating these centres through VC Infometrix Pvt. Ltd.

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Acting on a warrant issued by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Pune, the CBI nabbed Nimar from his Lucknow residence. Searches at the premises led to the seizure of Rs14 lakh in cash, mobile phones, and incriminating documents.

During the operation, the agency also uncovered and dismantled another illegal call centre being run by the accused in the city. Officials seized 52 laptops carrying digital evidence allegedly used to defraud US citizens.

The CBI said the investigation is underway and added that it is intensifying efforts to crack down on organised, tech-enabled crime networks in coordination with INTERPOL and foreign law-enforcement agencies.