Kerala police intensify investigation into loan scam targeting US citizens; hunt for the king

A day after Thiruvananthapuram police busted a sophisticated international loan operation operating from a makeshift call center in Sreekaryam, they gathered more information about the syndicate, which primarily targeted foreign nationals.

The operation, which operated under the guise of an IT company in a rented office in Chenthi, was unearthed during a raid conducted as part of the anti-drug operation Operation Toofan on Monday.

While nearly 20 people were detained during the operation, 13 employees, all natives of North India, were arrested. The items seized include 41 computers along with several digital storage devices and other electronic equipment.

According to official sources, the gang has targeted foreign victims, especially American citizens, and there is no evidence so far that Indians were targeted during the operation. Investigators are examining digital evidence to determine the extent of the fraud. Group bank accounts are also examined to assess the total value of financial transactions.

Investigators point out that the call center was found to have operated overnight and into the early hours of the morning to match business hours in the United States and other foreign countries. The scam began with victims receiving messages falsely claiming that their loan applications had already been approved. Those who responded were asked to provide personal and financial details, which were then passed on to the alleged mastermind, who was identified as Akashdeep Choudary, a native of Gujarat.

According to preliminary investigation, the suspect was earlier operating from another base in Ulloor before shifting to Sreekaryam. Since the accused fled before the raid, the police issued a lookout to bring him to book. Another suspect was detained from the Ahmedabad airport.

The racket offered its employees monthly salaries ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000. The employees were also paid ₹1,000 as commission for each victim they successfully convince to enter the fraudulent loan process, sources said.

Published – 28 Jul 2026 21:58 IST