Tushar Kharbanda Cyber Fraud case escalated as the Enforcement Directorate’s Delhi Zonal Office provisionally attached seven immovable properties worth ₹11.26 crore belonging to Tushar Kharbanda and his family. The properties, spread across Delhi-NCR and Dubai, are linked to an illegal Noida-based call center accused of impersonating officials and extorting large sums from foreign nationals.
The ED’s action marks a major step in dismantling the international cyber-fraud network allegedly operated by Kharbanda.
Background: The Cyber Fraud Operation
The probe was initiated based on FIRs registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Delhi Police against Tushar Kharbanda and others involved. The fraudsters operated from a call center in Noida, deceiving foreign citizens by pretending to be police or investigating officers. They threatened victims with arrest, freezing of bank accounts, and took extortion money under duress.
Details of the Investigation and Attachments
- ED unearthed that the extorted money was laundered through cryptocurrencies, primarily Bitcoin, which were controlled via digital wallets linked to Tushar Kharbanda.
- Approximately 351.8605 BTC (valued at about Rs. 280 crore) were accumulated and converted into stable coins (USDT), later dispersed through multiple wallets for conversion into cash.
- The crores of rupees generated were routed back to India from UAE via hawala and non-banking channels.
- Several immovable properties were acquired using these proceeds—some in UAE bought with cash and others in Delhi-NCR registered under Kharbanda or relatives’ names.
- Two properties in UAE remain registered to Kharbanda and have also been attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
- Earlier search and seizure operations conducted on 6th August 2025 across Noida, UAE, and other linked locations recovered incriminating evidence including crypto assets.
Legal and Enforcement Actions
The decreed attachment is provisional and part of the continuing investigation. ED aims to prevent dissipation of illicit assets acquired through fraudulent means and ensure proceeds of crime are seized to aid legal proceedings. The ongoing probe focuses on dismantling the criminal syndicate and tracing the full extent of their money laundering network.
Experts’ Views
Legal and cybercrime analysts describe this as a major breakthrough in tackling sophisticated cyber frauds that misuse cryptocurrencies and cross-border channels for money laundering. The action by ED emphasizes India’s resolve to prevent digital crime and its global financial ramifications.
Upholding Justice and Righteousness
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s Satgyan advocates for the triumph of truth and justice, reflecting strongly in law enforcement’s vigilant actions against cybercrime syndicates that exploit innocent victims. Rigorous investigations and asset recoveries epitomize ethical governance fostering societal trust and security in the digital age.
Key Facts
- ED attached 7 immovable properties worth Rs. 11.26 crore in Delhi-NCR and Dubai belonging to Tushar Kharbanda and family.
- Fraud involved running an illegal call center in Noida that targeted foreign nationals.
- Money extorted was converted into cryptocurrency and laundered through multi-wallet transfers.
- 351.8605 Bitcoins worth Rs. 280 crore implicated as proceeds of crime.
- Properties in UAE and India acquired through illicit funds are under attachment per PMLA.
Also Read: Online Scams & Fraud Prevention: Global Spotlight on Identity-Fraud and Prevention
FAQs: Tushar Kharbanda Cyber Fraud
1. Who is Tushar Kharbanda?
The accused mastermind behind an international cyber fraud syndicate operating an illegal call center from Noida.
2. What assets were attached by ED?
Seven immovable properties worth Rs. 11.26 crore in Delhi-NCR and Dubai, registered to Kharbanda and relatives.
3. How was the fraud money laundered?
Through Bitcoin cryptocurrency and USDT, transferred via multiple digital wallets and converted to cash.
4. What was the modus operandi of the fraud?
Impersonating police/investigating officials to extort money from foreign nationals by threatening arrest and account freezes.
5. What laws are being used to attach the assets?
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 governs the attachment of proceeds of crime properties.
Comprehensive Legal Redress and Deterrence
The Enforcement Directorate’s attachment of properties linked to Tushar Kharbanda’s cyber fraud syndicate marks a significant step toward dismantling high-profile international digital crime networks. By tracing illicit crypto transactions and blocking tainted assets in India and abroad, authorities reinforce their commitment to safeguarding public interest, transparency, and justice in today’s interconnected digital economy.
The investigation continues to unravel the full scope of the fraudulent operation, aiming for comprehensive legal redress and deterrence.
