Navi Mumbai Police Bust Fake Insurance Call Centre in Mahape Raids

NAVI MUMBAI, India — Authorities arrested three individuals and detained 32 telecallers on Thursday after dismantling a fraudulent vehicle insurance operation that defrauded victims of at least ₹14.08 lakh ($16,950) through fake policy renewals.

The Navi Mumbai Cyber Police conducted the raid early Wednesday morning in Mahape's Technocity Building, targeting two entities operating under the names "Life Deal" and "AI Ocean Enterprises." The operation was part of a broader crackdown on cyber-enabled financial fraud aligned with the Central Government's Pragati initiative for crime prevention.

Police identified Prasad Todankar, Faiyaz Nasir, and Vaibhav Ingale as the primary accused behind the scheme. Investigators found that the call centre had been systematically contacting vehicle owners, claiming their insurance policies were expiring or already lapsed. The telecallers then convinced victims to pay renewal premiums directly into personal accounts controlled by the syndicate rather than through legitimate insurers.

Once payments were made via digital transfer or cash deposits, the suspects failed to issue valid policy documents. Instead, they utilized sophisticated scripts and forged documentation to maintain the illusion of legitimacy until funds could not be traced further. The police recovered seized mobile devices, laptops, and financial records during the search, which are expected to reveal additional details about the scale of the operation.

The 32 telecallers detained at the site were initially held for questioning regarding their roles in executing the fraudulent calls. While three individuals have been formally arrested on charges related to cheating and criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code, authorities stated that further arrests could follow as investigations into money trails continue.

Victims of the scam reported receiving urgent messages urging immediate payment to avoid legal penalties or vehicle impoundment. The high-pressure tactics employed by the call centre staff reportedly prevented many from verifying the authenticity of the requests before transferring funds. Police officials noted that similar modus operandi have been observed in other regions, prompting a coordinated effort to track down linked networks.

The Mahape location was selected for its proximity to major IT hubs and access to high-speed internet infrastructure, allowing the syndicate to operate with minimal physical oversight. Local business owners expressed relief at the closure of the centre but warned that such operations often relocate quickly after raids.

As of Thursday evening, investigators were still working to identify all victims and recover the stolen funds. Authorities have urged anyone who received unsolicited calls regarding insurance renewals in recent months to report the incident immediately. The case remains active as police seek to determine whether other branches of "Life Deal" or "AI Ocean Enterprises" are operating elsewhere in Maharashtra.

No timeline has been provided for the prosecution's next steps, though officials indicated that evidence collection is ongoing.