FBI shares intelligence with ED in Hyderabad-based Rs 200 crore call centre fraud case
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined the probe into a massive call centre fraud network operating from Hyderabad, with FBI officials visiting the Enforcement Directorate’s office in Basheerbagh on Wednesday to exchange intelligence. The syndicate is alleged to have defrauded American citizens of approximately Rs 200 crore through impersonation of US government agencies and technical support firms.
A team from the FBI met ED officials and obtained details of the ongoing money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The case originated from a 2023 FIR registered by Madhapur police after the US embassy and Interpol flagged fraudulent calls targeting US nationals. The calls involved impersonation of tax authorities, loan recovery agents, and tech support representatives, with victims threatened over alleged tax defaults, loan dues, or illegal activities and coerced into making payments.
How the fraud operated
According to investigators, the call centre network convinced victims to purchase Amazon gift cards, which were then redeemed through overseas vendors and converted into cryptocurrency. The proceeds were subsequently routed back to India through crypto traders, hawala and angadia channels, and layered through multiple bank accounts. The ED has alleged that Mohammed Irfan Ansari, described as a principal controller of the network and arrested on August 10, admitted to running fake call centres since around 2017, with average monthly collections of $60,000 to $70,000.
Among others arrested are Vikas Kumar Nimar alias Misty, identified as an operator of the syndicate, and his father Tarachand Nimar, an Army pensioner. The ED’s analysis of bank transactions revealed transfers from Ansari’s accounts to associates including Nimar, and the use of relatives’ accounts for routing funds.
Timeline of investigation
| Key development | Date/Details |
|---|---|
| FIR by Madhapur police | 2023, following US embassy and Interpol alert |
| ED probe under PMLA | Launched after FIR, linked to CBI case from Sept 2024 against illegal call centres targeting foreign nationals |
| Arrest of key accused | Vikas Kumar Nimar, Tarachand Nimar, Mohammed Irfan Ansari (arrested Aug 10, 2026) |
| FBI-ED meeting | August 19-20, 2026, at ED Basheerbagh office |
Why this matters for Hyderabad residents
The case highlights how Hyderabad has become a hub for international cyber fraud operations. The involvement of the FBI signals the scale of the network — proceeds of crime estimated at Rs 200 crore, with calls targeting thousands of US citizens. Local residents should be aware that such syndicates often recruit call centre employees through seemingly legitimate job advertisements. The ED has alleged that the call centres operated under the guise of legitimate businesses, and some may still be active.
For Hyderabad’s tech workforce, this case underscores the importance of verifying employer credentials. The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau and Hyderabad City Police have previously conducted raids on illegal call centres in IT corridors like Madhapur, Gachibowli, and Hitech City.
Cautious note on source limitations
The above information is drawn primarily from a Times of India report. The ED and FBI have not issued an official statement on the meeting. The exact number of victims, the full list of accused, and the total value of assets frozen have not been independently confirmed. This article will be updated once official press releases from the ED or Hyderabad City Police are available.
Source: Times of India — “FBI comes calling at Hyd in Rs 200 cr call centre fraud case, shares inputs with ED” (August 20, 2026) https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/fbi-comes-calling-at-hyd-in-rs-200-cr-call-centre-fraud-case-shares-inputs-with-ed/articleshow/133357688.cms