The United States expressed gratitude to India's Central Bureau of Investigation for dismantling a transnational cybercrime network targeting American citizens, marking the latest success in growing law enforcement cooperation between the two nations. The CBI arrested a key absconding operative linked to illegal call center operations in Lucknow that allegedly targeted US nationals, officials announced this week.

The US Embassy acknowledged the CBI's efforts in arresting an operator of an illegal call center operation that defrauded US nationals, highlighting the importance of intelligence sharing in combating cross-border cybercrime. The arrest represents a significant breakthrough in an investigation that has spanned multiple cities and involved coordination between Indian and American law enforcement agencies.

The CBI recently apprehended Vikas Kumar Nimar, accused of running the illegal firm VC Infrometrix Pvt Ltd from Lucknow. The suspect had evaded authorities for over a year since the initial case registration in September 2024. According to CBI officials, Nimar played an instrumental role in establishing and operating illegal call centers in Pune and Visakhapatnam that systematically targeted American citizens through sophisticated fraud schemes.

The arrest came after the agency obtained a warrant from the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Pune. On November 20, 2025, CBI officers arrested the absconding operative from his residence in Lucknow. During searches of his premises, investigators recovered cash amounting to Rs 14 lakh, along with mobile phones and incriminating documents related to the alleged criminal enterprise.

The CBI also busted another illegal call center being operated by Nimar in Lucknow, which was similarly targeting US nationals. The raid on this facility proved particularly fruitful for investigators. Searches at the illegal call center led to the recovery of 52 laptops containing incriminating digital evidence allegedly used in operating the cybercrime network, officials said.

The case forms part of the CBI's broader crackdown on transnational cybercrime operations. In September 2024, the agency dismantled four illegal call centers operating in Pune, Hyderabad, and Visakhapatnam. These facilities were all connected to the same criminal network that Nimar allegedly helped establish and maintain.

The US Embassy in India publicly acknowledged the successful operation through official channels, praising the CBI's dedication to protecting American citizens from financial fraud. The recognition underscores the strengthening partnership between US and Indian law enforcement agencies in addressing cybercrime that transcends national borders.

Call center fraud schemes have become increasingly sophisticated, with operators impersonating government officials, tech support representatives, and financial institutions to extract money from unsuspecting victims. These operations typically employ trained staff who use scripted conversations designed to create urgency and panic, pressuring victims into making immediate payments or sharing sensitive financial information.

The modus operandi of such criminal enterprises often involves cold-calling potential victims in the United States, claiming there are problems with their computer systems, tax filings, or bank accounts. Once trust is established, operators direct victims to transfer funds through various channels, including cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards, making the money difficult to trace and recover.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Internet Crime Complaint Center, American citizens lost billions of dollars to tech support and related fraud schemes in recent years. The actual figures may be significantly higher, as many victims never report these crimes due to embarrassment or lack of awareness about proper reporting channels.

India has emerged as a focal point in the global fight against call center fraud due to the proliferation of such illegal operations within its borders. The country's large English-speaking workforce, combined with relatively lower operational costs, has made it an attractive location for cybercriminals to establish these fraudulent enterprises.

The CBI's successful operation demonstrates the agency's enhanced capabilities in cyber forensics and digital investigation. The recovery of 52 laptops and associated digital evidence will likely provide investigators with valuable insights into the network's operations, including potential connections to other criminal enterprises and the identities of additional suspects.

Law enforcement cooperation between India and the United States has intensified in recent years, with both nations recognizing the need for collaborative approaches to combat transnational organized crime. The FBI and CBI regularly share intelligence, coordinate investigations, and provide mutual legal assistance in cases involving citizens of both countries.

The arrest of Nimar and the dismantling of his alleged cybercrime infrastructure represent a significant victory in this ongoing battle. However, cybersecurity experts caution that such operations often have multiple layers of leadership, with arrested operatives sometimes replaced quickly by others seeking to capitalize on the lucrative fraud industry.

Authorities continue to urge citizens to remain vigilant against unsolicited calls and requests for personal information. The US Federal Trade Commission recommends that individuals never provide financial information or make payments based on unexpected phone calls, regardless of how legitimate they may appear.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities working to identify and apprehend additional suspects connected to the network. The CBI has indicated that further arrests are likely as investigators analyze the evidence recovered during the recent raids.

This case highlights the evolving nature of cybercrime and the critical importance of international cooperation in addressing threats that no single nation can combat alone. As criminal enterprises become more sophisticated and global in their operations, law enforcement agencies worldwide must continue developing collaborative frameworks to protect citizens and bring perpetrators to justice.