Bhavnagar, December 8 (Daily Kiran) – Gujarat Police’s Cyber Centre of Excellence has uncovered the state’s largest cybercrime operation involving an international fraud racket worth over ₹719 crore.
The network, operating from Bhavnagar, laundered money using mule bank accounts, hawala channels, and cryptocurrency wallets. Ten accused, including two employees from a private bank branch in Bhavnagar, have been arrested. Investigations revealed links of the gang with notorious cyber syndicates based in Dubai and China.
Dr. Rajdeep Singh Jhala, Superintendent of Police at the State Cyber Cell, stated that the gang was involved in 1,544 crimes. The accused opened mule accounts across Gujarat and other states to carry out their activities.
The racket was active in 26 states and five union territories. Approximately 110 fake accounts were opened at the IndusInd Bank branch in Bhavnagar. Money from victims of cyber fraud was deposited into these mule accounts, withdrawn in cash, transferred through hawala methods, and finally converted into USDT cryptocurrency to be sent to operators of the CADCAT cybercrime syndicate in Dubai and China.
Thousands of victims across the country were defrauded through this network. Major states affected include Maharashtra with 300 cases, Tamil Nadu 203, Karnataka 194, Telangana 128, Gujarat 97, Kerala 91, Uttar Pradesh 88, and Delhi 74. The syndicate mainly engaged in eight types of cyber frauds such as investment scams, digital arrest scams, part-time job scams, loan frauds, UPI frauds, and voice phishing.
The ten arrested accused are:
1. Alpesh Ghanshyambhai Makwana – Cash withdrawal and mule account supplier.
2. Mahendra Rameshbhai Makwana – Cash withdrawal and mule account supplier.
3. Abubakar Alibhai Sheikh (Bank Employee) – Unauthorized access to bank accounts.
4. Parth Prafullbhai Upadhyay (Bank Employee) – Operation of fake accounts.
5. Pratik Arvindbhai Vaghani – Mule account and cash handler.
6. Vipul Kalebhai Dangar – Fund handler.
7. Jayrajsinh Balwantsinh Raizada – Converter of cash into USDT.
8. Gurpurabsinh Satnamsinh Tank – Dubai-China transfer operator.
9. Tejas Jitendrakumar Pandya – Crypto transactions on behalf of foreign operators.
10. Divyarajsinh Narendrasinh Jhala – Dubai-based handler and key link to China gang.
The police seized 30 mobile phones, cryptocurrency wallet passwords, and other digital evidence from the accused. Officials have indicated that more arrests are likely as the investigation continues.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
