National News 2025-06-25

IFSO / SPECIAL CELL DISMANTLES INTERNATIONAL SCAM CALL CENTRE INVOLVED IN AVIATION REFUND FRAUD.

Mahesh Dhoundiyal - Delhi

? MASTERMIND AND DIRECTOR OF SCAM CALL CENTRE APPREHENDED.

? FOREIGN NATIONALS FROM THE USA, UK, AND CANADA DUPED UNDER THE GUISE OF FLIGHT BOOKINGS AND REFUNDS.

? FRAUDSTERS USED FORGED DEATH AND MEDICAL CERTIFICATES TO ILLEGITIMATELY SECURE AIRLINE REFUNDS.

? DIGITAL EVIDENCE SEIZED: 36 LAPTOPS, 6 MOBILE PHONES, AND 4 HARD DRIVES RECOVERED.

Brief facts of the incident: -

A specialized team of the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of the Special Cell, Delhi Police, has successfully dismantled an international scam operation targeting citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. The operation culminated in the arrest of Akshay Sharma (age 40 years, resident of Kirti Nagar, New Delhi), Director of AVS Holidays, for orchestrating a sophisticated cyber-enabled fraudulent enterprise under the guise of a legitimate travel agency.

Modus Operandi:

Intelligence inputs indicated that AVS Holidays, operating from Kirti Nagar, Delhi, was engaged in organized cyber fraud. The accused utilized online advertising platforms, including Google, social media, and search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, to prominently display misleading advertisements for flight booking and cancellation services. These advertisements were strategically designed to appear above legitimate service providers on search results.

Upon engaging potential victims—primarily foreign nationals—the perpetrators would obtain sensitive financial data, including card numbers and CVVs, under the pretext of processing bookings. Once tickets were issued in the victims’ names, the syndicate would later initiate fraudulent cancellation procedures by impersonating the customers. They submitted forged documentation, including fabricated death and medical certificates, to airlines in order to secure full refunds.

The illicit proceeds were partially returned to the victims—after deducting fictitious cancellation fees—or withheld entirely. Preliminary forensic analysis of seized electronic devices has revealed hundreds of forged documents used to facilitate these fraudulent claims.

A formal investigation was initiated with the registration of FIR No. 160/2025 u/s 318(4)/319(2)/339/61(2)/3(5) BNS & 66C IT Act, PS Special Cell, Delhi

Investigation Details:

Under the overall supervision of senior officers, a dedicated investigation team was constituted under the leadership of ACP Vijay Gahlawat, comprising Insp. Kuldeep Kumar, Insp. Sunil Kumar, Insp. Deepak Siwach, SI Mahesh Kumar, SI Amit Verma, SI Himangi, SI Deepak Dalal, SI Harjeet, HC Vikender, and Ct. Rakesh.

Despite the cross-jurisdictional complexity, given the foreign location of victims and third-party service providers (airlines and intermediaries), the team meticulously pursued technical leads. Through sustained digital forensics, telephonic analysis, and coordination with relevant international bodies, crucial electronic evidence and victim statements were gathered and corroborated.

On 24.06.2025, acting on the intelligence developed, the team apprehended the prime accused, Akshay Sharma, and conducted simultaneous raids at the operational premises of AVS Holidays in Kirti Nagar. Multiple digital devices and documents instrumental in the commission of the offence were recovered. These include numerous counterfeit death certificates and records substantiating the fraudulent refund claims.

PERSONS ARRESTED:

1. Akshay Sharma - Resident of Kirti Nagar, New Delhi. Age: 40

RECOVERIES:

Recovery Made:

• 36 Laptops

• 06 Mobile Phones

• 04 External Hard Disk Drives

Interrogation Findings:

During sustained custodial interrogation, the accused confessed to establishing and operating fraudulent call centres over several years, under the facade of a legitimate travel service provider. He admitted to orchestrating a scheme that primarily targeted U.S. and other foreign nationals by posing as an authorized flight booking agency. He, along with his accomplices, systematically manipulated airline refund processes using impersonation and document forgery.

This operation reflects the commitment of Delhi Police and the IFSO Unit towards neutralizing cross-border cyber fraud and safeguarding international financial systems from malicious exploitation. Further investigation is underway to identify co-conspirators, trace financial trails, and coordinate with international law enforcement agencies for comprehensive legal action.

Mahesh Dhoundiyal - Delhi

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Date: 26-06-2025