Press Release
31.01.2025
Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Kolkata Zonal Office has conducted search operations under the
provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 at multiple locations in Kolkata
on 23.01.2025 in the case of Tipu Sultan and Others in respect of various person indulged in t he
operation of unauthorized call center.
ED initiated investigation on the basis of FIR registered by the PS Electronics Complex, Bidhannagar.
ED investigation revealed that Tipu Sultan, Md. Tasfin , Somnath Das, Rajesh Goenka and others
with other accomplices were running an unauthorized call centre at the office of M/s VRM Business
Service Private Limited (VBSPL) located at 3 rd Floor, Salt Tech Park, Block -DN-18, Sector-V, Salt
Lake, Kolkata-700091.It is further revealed that the said persons/employees of M/s VRM Business
Service Private Limited were using calls made over internet to make international(VOIP) calls and
called individuals from different countries like Germany, United Kingdom etc. on the pretext of
software service provider in the name of international reputed software companies. They cheated the
customers without giving any service. With the help of team viewer software, they got access to the
computers of the customer s and thereby blackmailed the customer s, causing wrongful gain to
themselves and wrongful loss to the innocent customers.
ED investigation revealed that various entities were used for siphoning, routing, and parking funds
obtained fraudulently from innocent customers across different countries under the guise of providing
software services.
Further the searches resulted into seizure of unexplained cash of Rs. 27.90 Lakh, jewellery worth
Rs. 1.79 Crore and various documentary and digital evidence. Further, bank balance to the tune of
Rs. 28.4 Lakh maintained in 35 Bank accounts, related to Rajesh Goenka, Director of M/s VRM
Business Service Private Limited, his family members and his companies/firms/entities have been
frozen.
Further investigation is under progress.
Brief
"On 31/01/2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued an update regarding the Kolkata Zonal Office conducting search operations under the PMLA, 2002 at multiple locations in Kolkata on 23.01.2025 in the case of Tipu Sultan and Others for operating an unauthorized call center. The ED investigation revealed that individuals made international calls, cheated customers, and blackmailed them using team viewer software."
Highlights content goes here...
Purpose
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Kolkata Zonal Office, conducted search operations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002 at multiple locations in Kolkata on January 23, 2025. The operation was carried out in connection with a case involving Tipu Sultan and Others, who were allegedly running an unauthorized call center. The ED investigation aimed to track down individuals involved in operating the illicit call center, which had been linked to various entities used for siphoning, routing, and parking funds obtained through fraudulent means from innocent customers across different countries.
Effects on Industry
The search operations and subsequent freezing of bank balances totaling Rs. 28.4 Lakh in 35 bank accounts related to Rajesh Goenka, Director of M/s VRM Business Service Private Limited, are expected to have a significant impact on the call center industry. The actions may serve as a warning to similar operators who engage in illicit activities, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and regulatory oversight within the sector. Furthermore, the operation’s focus on entities involved in siphoning and parking funds obtained through fraudulent means could lead to changes in business practices and risk management strategies among legitimate businesses.
Relevant Stakeholders
The stakeholders affected by this operation include:
- Businesses: Unauthorized call center operators, their accomplices, and individuals linked to these operations may face consequences as a result of the ED’s actions.
- Consumers: Innocent customers who were cheated by the illicit call center may have experienced financial losses or been put at risk of identity theft.
- Regulatory Bodies: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) and other regulatory agencies responsible for preventing money laundering and enforcing anti-money laundering laws are directly impacted by this operation.
Next Steps
The ED investigation is ongoing, and further actions may be taken in response to the findings. Key steps that can be anticipated include:
- Continued Investigation: The ED will likely continue investigating individuals and entities linked to the unauthorized call center.
- Legal Proceedings: Those identified as being involved in the illicit activities may face legal consequences.
- Regulatory Reforms: The operation’s outcome could lead to changes in regulatory policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Any Other Relevant Information
Additional context that may be helpful to stakeholders includes:
- Historical Context: Previous operations and investigations conducted by the ED or other regulatory agencies may have contributed to a better understanding of the risks associated with unauthorized call centers.
- Future Actions: The outcome of this operation could lead to increased collaboration between regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and industry stakeholders to prevent similar incidents in the future.
