HYDERABAD: The Interpol has stepped in to zero in on the gang which cheat Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), posing as immigration officials.
The Interpol took up the probe after a few Indians based in Singapore and Malaysia lodged a complaint. The Singapore government alerted the Interpol and forwarded the details to the Indian government.
“The Interpol contacted the National Crime Bureau under the home ministry, seeking details of the gang,” said an official from the CBI, which co-ordinates with the Interpol.
The Telangana police also received a request to go after the racket. Sources in the Telangana police said that two persons from the state fell victim to the gang.
According to the police, the gang collected up to Rs 5 lakh from the victims by threatening to impound their passports. The victims were identified as Nilesh Kumar and Avinash, working in Singapore. The state police is probing whether the gang is based in the city.
The callers, posing as bureau of immigration officials, point out discrepancies in the passport and visa. Later, they would threaten of severe consequences and deportation and ask for money to correct the mistakes.
Meanwhile, the police said that foreigners who are looking for Indian visa should keep a vigil on this gang. “Generally, the crooks would point out some mistakes and demand money for correction. They ask them to transfer the money to bank accounts,” said Mr K.V.M. Prasad, inspector cybercrime.
The gang is active in North India operating from full-fledged call centres, cybercrime officials noted.
