Author: Ritu Sharma studying at Geeta Institute Of Law, Samalkha
To The Point
In June 2025, the Lucknow Police unearthed a major cyber crime racket run through a fake call centre in Vrindavan Yojana. This centre was part of a larger scam network that defrauded over 1,000 people across India. The operation was masterminded by Vishal Yadav, also known by aliases Ganni or Prince, who ran the racket from abroad, shifting locations frequently between Sri Lanka, Singapore, Dubai, and finally back to India.
The scam was smartly executed using WhatsApp and Telegram, where unsuspecting people were offered fake work-from-home jobs or investment opportunities through apps like Reddy Anna. Initially, victims were shown small returns or commissions to build trust. Once they were convinced, they were lured into investing larger amounts, which were then digitally manipulated to appear lost-leaving victims helpless and broke.
The fraudsters used VoIP calls, virtual mobile numbers, mule accounts, and cryptocurrency wallets to move money and avoid detection. They frequently destroyed phones and SIM cards to erase evidence. Despite these efforts, police managed to arrest 15 individuals, seize critical electronic evidence, and freeze several suspicious accounts.
The case stands as a harsh reminder of how cybercriminals now exploit job seekers, students, and common citizens by blending psychological manipulation with modern tech tools. What made it more dangerous was the way it appeared genuine-clean apps, small initial payouts, and a support team that seemed professional.
Key takeaway: If a job or investment sounds too easy or profitable and comes via WhatsApp, it’s likely a scam. Always verify the source, never share sensitive information like OTPs or banking details, and report suspicious activity to cybercrime authorities. This case proves that awareness is the first line of defence against online fraud.
Abstract
The Lucknow Call Centre Cyber Crime case is a major example of how digital fraud is evolving in India. In June 2025, police in Lucknow busted a fake call centre operating from the Vrindavan Yojana area. This centre was at the heart of a large online scam that targeted innocent people by offering fake work-from-home jobs and investment schemes, especially through the Reddy Anna betting app.
The scam was masterminded by Vishal Yadav, also known as Ganni or Prince, who operated from countries like Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Dubai before returning to India. He and his team reached out to people through WhatsApp and Telegram, offering quick-earning job offers such as paid reviews, online tasks, or betting tips.
Victims were shown fake earnings in the beginning to win their trust. Once convinced, they were tricked into investing more, only to lose their money completely.
The gang used advanced techniques like VoIP calls, virtual SIMs, and cryptocurrency to avoid being tracked. They frequently destroyed mobile phones and SIM cards after use, making it difficult for authorities to trace their activities. Still, in a well-planned raid, 15 people were arrested, and several digital devices and bank accounts were seized.
This case highlights how easily people can be fooled through digital platforms and social media. What seems like an easy job or investment can turn into a nightmare if not verified properly. It also reflects the need for stronger awareness among the public and faster action from authorities to tackle such cyber crimes.
In short, the Lucknow case is a wake-up call that behind every tempting message or offer online, there might be a well-planned scam. Caution, awareness, and verification are essential in today’s digital world.
Use of Legal Jargon
Cyber Crime
Any illegal activity done using computers, smartphones, or the internet. In this case, fake apps and online platforms were used to cheat people.
Cheating under Section 420 IPC
This law punishes people who trick others and cause them to lose money or property.
The scammers here lured victims with false promises of jobs and investments.
Criminal Conspiracy (Section 120B IPC)
When two or more people plan together to commit a crime. The entire scam was well-planned by a group, making this section applicable.
Identity Theft & Impersonation (Section 66C & 66D of the IT Act, 2000)
Using someone else’s personal details or pretending to be someone else online. The scammers often posed as company officials or job recruiters.
Money Laundering (Prevention of Money Laundering Act – PMLA)
Converting “black” or stolen money into legal-looking income. The fraudsters moved money through multiple bank accounts and cryptocurrency to hide its source.
Electronic Evidence
Data from phones, laptops, apps, or servers used as legal proof. Police recovered WhatsApp chats, payment records, and phone logs as evidence.
Bailable vs. Non-bailable Offence
Most cyber crimes like these are non-bailable, meaning the court decides whether the accused can be released or kept in custody.
Related Case Laws
Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015)
Citation: (2015) 5 SCC 1
Why it matters:
This case nullified Section 66A of the IT Law
(which criminalized “offensive messages” online) but reinforced that cyber laws must protect people without violating free speech. It clarified the legal limits of using the internet and held that misuse-like fraud or impersonation -still falls under valid sections of the IT Act.
State of Tamil Nadu v. Suhas Katti (2004)
Citation: C.C. No. 4680 of 2004 (Egmore Court, Chennai)
Why it matters:
This was India’s first conviction under the IT Act, involving email harassment and impersonation.
It showed how electronic evidence like emails and chat logs can lead to conviction-just like WhatsApp chats in the Lucknow scam.
CBI v. Arif Azim (2010)
Citation: CBI No. 25/2009 (Delhi Court)
Why it matters:
A BPO employee misused credit card data of a U.S. customer.
Similar to the Lucknow case where digital platforms and international reach were abused for financial gain.
Benny Mathew v. State of Kerala (2015)
Citation: 2015 SCC Online Ker 28142
Why it matters:
Deals with unauthorized online job offers. The accused posted fake employment ads and took money from job seekers.
Very similar to the “work-from-home” fraud seen in the Lucknow scam.
Amit Kumar Sharma v. State of NCT of Delhi (2020)
Citation: 2020 SCC Online Del 1985
Why it matters:
The accused ran fake websites for investment schemes.
The court observed that such frauds are serious offences under IPC and IT Act, calling for strict action.
Conclusion
The Lucknow Call Centre Cyber Crime case is a sharp reminder of how cyber fraud has grown more organized, manipulative, and technologically advanced. In June 2025, the police exposed a fake call centre operating from the Vrindavan Yojana area, run by a gang led by Vishal Yadav (alias Ganni/Prince). This group used apps like Reddy Anna, along with platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, to lure people with fake job offers, online betting, and easy money-making schemes.
What made this scam so dangerous was how real it looked. Victims were shown small profits initially to build trust. Once convinced, they invested larger amounts and ended up losing their money. Many were emotionally manipulated -some thought they were earning from home, others believed they had hit a lucky streak in betting. The fraud wasn’t just a few people making phone calls; it was a well-coordinated, tech-driven racket involving VoIP calls, virtual numbers, crypto wallets, and destruction of devices to avoid being tracked.
The police arrested 15 people, recovered digital devices, and froze suspicious accounts. Similar scams are happening across India, often with international links, making investigations tougher and slower. Authorities are now focusing on tracking money trails, tightening cyber laws, and increasing public awareness.
From a human point of view, this case teaches us some hard truths. In today’s digital world, anyone can become a victim-from students and job-seekers to homemakers and professionals.
Fraudsters know how to play with emotions and technology to make people believe in lies. No one sends job offers or investment schemes randomly on WhatsApp.
In conclusion, the Lucknow cyber crime case is not just about criminals and police-it’s about every Indian becoming aware and alert. While the law is catching up, the best defence is knowing the signs of fraud, verifying every opportunity, and reporting anything suspicious. The fight against cyber crime is not just legal, but also social and personal. Stay smart. Stay safe.
FAQS
What occurred in the Lucknow call centre scam?
A fake call centre was busted in June 2025 in Lucknow’s Vrindavan Yojana area. The operators cheated people across India by offering fake work-from-home jobs, online reviews, and betting opportunities through apps like Reddy Anna. Victims were first shown small profits to win trust, then made to invest more, only to lose everything.
Who was behind this scam?
The mastermind was Vishal Yadav, also known as Ganni or Prince. He controlled the network remotely, operating from countries like Sri Lanka, Dubai, and Singapore before returning to India.
How did the scammers contact people?
They used WhatsApp, Telegram, and VoIP calls (internet-based phone calls), pretending to be recruiters or representatives from fake companies or betting platforms.
How many people were cheated?
Over 1,000 people across India were affected.
Some lost a few thousand rupees, while others lost lakhs, thinking they were earning profits from jobs or betting apps.
What was the role of the Reddy Anna app?
The Reddy Anna app was used as a front for fake betting schemes. Victims were made to place bets and were shown manipulated winnings to trick them into investing more.
What action did the police take?
The Lucknow Police, along with the Cyber Crime Cell, raided the call centre, arrested 15 people, and seized digital devices, SIM cards, and documents. The investigation is ongoing.
What laws were applied in this case?
Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) like 420 (cheating), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and sections of the IT Act (66C, 66D) for identity theft and impersonation were applied. The Prevention of Money Laundering Law was also applicable .
How can people protect themselves from such scams?
Never trust random job or money offers on WhatsApp.
Don’t click on unknown links or install unverified apps.
Avoid sharing personal or banking details with strangers.
Report suspicious messages to cybercrime.gov.in.
Is the mastermind arrested?
The police have arrested key suspects, but it’s unclear if Vishal Yadav (the main mastermind) is in custody or still being tracked.
What’s the biggest lesson from this case?
Be alert online. If something sounds too easy, quick, or profitable-it’s likely a scam. Trust logic over temptation.
