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Crime
Maharashtra Police Bust Illegal Call Centre in Lonavala, Arrest 20 Over Fake Drug Scams
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 17 Oct 2026, 01:17 PM
👁 16
Police in Maharashtra uncovered an illegal call centre in Lonavala that was targeting foreigners with fabricated drug‑related accusations, leading to the arrest of 20 suspects.
Maharashtra police conducted a raid in Lonavala and dismantled an illegal call centre that was allegedly using fabricated drug‑related allegations to trap foreign nationals. The operation resulted in the seizure of equipment used for the scam and the detention of twenty individuals suspected of running the scheme.
According to officials, the centre operated by contacting foreigners and threatening them with false drug charges, thereby extorting money or cooperation. The callers reportedly used forged documents and intimidation tactics to create the illusion of an ongoing investigation.
The police have confirmed that all twenty arrested persons are being held for further questioning, and the case is being investigated under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and cyber‑crime statutes. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant against similar fraudulent operations.
The bust highlights growing concerns over cross‑border scams that exploit legal processes, prompting law‑enforcement agencies to intensify monitoring of such illicit call‑centre activities.
According to officials, the centre operated by contacting foreigners and threatening them with false drug charges, thereby extorting money or cooperation. The callers reportedly used forged documents and intimidation tactics to create the illusion of an ongoing investigation.
The police have confirmed that all twenty arrested persons are being held for further questioning, and the case is being investigated under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and cyber‑crime statutes. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant against similar fraudulent operations.
The bust highlights growing concerns over cross‑border scams that exploit legal processes, prompting law‑enforcement agencies to intensify monitoring of such illicit call‑centre activities.