CBI Busts Fake Insurance Call Centres : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) recently dismantled two illegal call centres operating in Nashik, Maharashtra, involved in an elaborate scam targeting citizens of the United Kingdom. The fraudulent operation was run under the name Swagan Business Solutions, and involved impersonating insurance agents and government officials to dupe unsuspecting victims into sharing sensitive financial details and paying for fake insurance policies.
Scam Targeting UK Citizens
The investigation revealed that the call centres contacted UK residents under false pretences, claiming to represent insurance companies or government agencies. The accused persuaded victims to share credit and debit card details or to make payments toward bogus insurance schemes. These deceitful practices caused financial harm and breached trust in international transactions.
Using advanced technologies like VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and spoofed phone numbers, the call centre employees masked their true identities to appear legitimate. They also produced forged documents and fake insurance policy scripts to convince the victims of their authenticity.
Massive CBI Raids and Evidence Seizure
The CBI conducted extensive raids at two locations in Nashik and Kalyan (Thane), where they seized critical digital evidence, including:
- Victim data
- Fake insurance policy scripts
- Eight mobile phones
- Eight computer systems and servers
- Rs 5 lakh in cash
Officials confirmed that the scam’s proceeds were routed through PayPal and various banking channels, allowing the accused to transfer illicit funds internationally.
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Arrests and Legal Proceedings
A case was officially registered by the CBI on September 11, 2025, against four individuals, unknown public servants, and others involved in operating the fake call centres. The accused personnel operated a large workforce, with approximately 60 employees running the operation. Their goal was clear—to mislead UK nationals into believing they were dealing with authentic institutions.
Two individuals, identified as Ganesh Kamankar and Shyam Kamankar, were arrested on September 13, 2025, and subsequently presented before the Special CBI Court in Thane. Both were remanded to police custody until September 15, 2025.
The Modus Operandi of the Scam
The scam was meticulously organized to appear legitimate, using:
- VoIP technology to disguise call origins
- Spoofed phone numbers that appeared as if they belonged to UK-based institutions
- Forged official documents and fake insurance policy scripts to create a convincing illusion
- A wide network of employees operating under the guise of legitimate agents
This extensive operation allowed the call centres to continuously deceive victims, extorting money and personal information with alarming efficiency.
Conclusion
The bust of the fake insurance call centres in Nashik marks a significant success in the fight against cross-border fraud. The scam targeted vulnerable UK citizens, exploiting trust in insurance agents and government officials for financial gain. The CBI’s decisive action in tracing digital footprints, seizing assets, and arresting the accused highlights the growing need for vigilance in combating such sophisticated scams.
Victims of similar scams are urged to report suspicious calls or activities to local authorities and avoid sharing personal or financial information over unsolicited phone calls. The investigation remains active, with further leads expected to be pursued by the CBI.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly was the Nashik call centre scam about?
The scam involved call centres operating under the name Swagan Business Solutions, targeting UK citizens by pretending to be insurance agents or government officials. Victims were persuaded to share credit/debit card details or pay for fake insurance policies. The scam used advanced technologies like VoIP, spoofed phone numbers, and forged documents to appear legitimate.
2. How were the proceeds from this scam transferred?
The illegally obtained funds were transferred through platforms such as PayPal and various banking channels managed by the accused. This allowed the money to be moved internationally without immediate detection.
3. Who were arrested in the case?
Two individuals named Ganesh Kamankar and Shyam Kamankar were arrested on September 13, 2025. They were produced before the Special CBI Court in Thane and remanded to police custody until September 15, 2025.
4. How many employees were involved in running the scam?
Approximately 60 employees worked at these call centres. They used VoIP technology, spoofed phone numbers, and forged documents to mislead UK citizens into believing the operation was legitimate.
5. What should people do if they suspect a similar scam?
If you suspect any call or offer involving insurance or government services is fraudulent, do not share any personal or financial information. Report the call to local authorities or cybercrime departments immediately. It is also recommended to verify the legitimacy of the company or official through independent contact numbers or official websites.
