Fake cops, money laundering via crypto: ED raids 11 locations; all you need to know about Rs 260cr global cyber fraud

NEW DELHI: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) conducted search operations at 11 premises in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and Dehradun as part of its probe into a Rs 260 crore global cyber fraud case.PMLA probe based on CBI, Delhi police FIRsAccording to ED, the investigation was launched under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on FIRs registered by CBI and Delhi police. ED said that the fraudsters allegedly impersonated police officers and investigating officials to threaten victims, Indians and foreign nationals, with arrest and extort money."Victims were threatened with arrest and coerced into transferring their money," officials told ANI. The fraudsters also posed as Microsoft and Amazon tech‑support executives, tricking victims into transferring funds.Crypto route to launder moneyAccording to ED, the money collected through these scams was converted into cryptocurrencies and transferred into multiple wallets. Investigators have traced around Rs 260 crore accrued in the form of Bitcoins, which were later converted into USDTs and liquidated through hawala operators and individuals based in the UAE.