Central Crime Branch arrests key suspect in loan fraud

The police said that R Kalpana (28) of Thalambur, who was wanted in connection with a similar case in Sithalapakkam, was approached by Munir Hussain and his brother-in-law Jawid to open new call centres in suburban areas as the city police have increased vigilance over such frauds.

An officer from the bank fraud prevention wing said that the gang was running three call centres in different parts of the city and further investigation is on to find if they have any other call centres in suburbs. While Munir Hussain and Jawid remain absconding, the arrested persons have been identified as P Satishkumar of Walajapet, P Prasanna (29) of Kolathur and E Preethi (32) of Virugambakkam.

Explaining their modus operandi, an official said, “They would make calls to people offering loans for cheaper interest rates and tell them that they should join the life insurance scheme to be eligible for the loan. After taking money from them claiming it to be the maiden premium, they would inform their ‘customers’ that their loan proposal has been rejected.”

Satishkumar and Prasanna were working in the back office of the call centres to monitor the money collected, while Preethi was controlling the team leaders in the call centre at Prince Centre.

CCB officials warned people to be wary of phone calls offering loans for cheaper interest rates and without documents.