West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK : March 16: The Enforcement Directorate has launched a fresh round of search operations across West Bengal in connection with an investigation into an alleged illegal call centre network. Officials of the central investigative agency carried out coordinated raids at ten different locations on Monday morning, including premises in Siliguri, Howrah, Bidhannagar and Durgapur.

According to sources familiar with the investigation, the operation began early in the day as teams of ED officers moved simultaneously to multiple locations believed to be linked to the suspected call centre racket. The raids are part of an ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities and fraudulent activities associated with illegal call centre operations that may have targeted victims through deceptive schemes.

Investigators are examining financial transactions, electronic devices and other documents that could reveal the scale of the alleged operation. The enforcement agency suspects that the call centres may have been involved in fraudulent activities such as impersonation, online scams and unlawful financial transfers, although the full details of the alleged scheme are still being scrutinized.

Among those whose premises were reportedly searched during the operation are individuals identified as Surashree Kar, Samrat Ghosh and Subhajit Chakraborty. Officials are believed to be examining their potential links to the suspected call centre network and its financial dealings.

One of the notable search locations was in the Hakimpara area of Siliguri, where ED officials conducted a raid at the residence of Swapan Ghosh. Swapan Ghosh is reportedly a gold trader who runs a jewellery showroom in the Bidhannagar market area of the city. Investigators are looking into whether his business or financial records may have any connection with the suspected call centre activities under investigation.

During the searches, ED teams are said to be collecting documents, digital records and other materials that may provide evidence about the functioning and funding of the alleged network. Officers are also questioning individuals present at the premises to gather further information about the operations and possible financial trails.

The investigation into illegal call centres has been gaining momentum in recent months as authorities attempt to dismantle networks involved in cyber fraud and cross-border financial crimes. Such operations often involve sophisticated communication setups and financial channels used to target victims both within India and abroad.

The Enforcement Directorate typically conducts these searches under provisions related to financial crimes and money laundering, particularly when there is suspicion that illegal earnings from fraudulent activities have been routed through various businesses or financial accounts.

Monday’s operation across several cities in West Bengal reflects the agency’s efforts to track down individuals suspected of being involved in these activities and to identify the broader network behind the alleged racket. Officials have not yet disclosed the total value of transactions under scrutiny or whether any arrests are likely to follow the searches.

The raids also highlight the increasing focus of investigative agencies on cyber-related financial crimes, which have expanded rapidly with the growth of digital communication technologies. Authorities are continuing their probe to determine the extent of the suspected call centre operations and the individuals responsible for running or supporting them.

Officials are expected to analyze the materials collected from the various locations to build a clearer picture of the alleged fraud network. Further developments in the case may emerge once investigators complete their initial examination of the seized records and statements gathered during the operation.