The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has busted a cybercrime syndicate that exploited security testing software to hack e-commerce websites, allowing them to purchase products at nominal prices and receive them at fake addresses. The gang further engaged in illegal online gambling using manipulated casino betting websites.

Debugging software

According to officials, the accused used debugging software to compromise the payment gateway process of targeted e-commerce platforms. By manipulating payment responses, they secured expensive products at a fraction of their actual cost. The fraudsters then resold the products, amassing illicit earnings.

Investigators have found that the gang cheated businesses out of approximately ₹7 crore through their operations. The accused also hacked online betting websites, using fraudulent techniques to predict outcomes and win bets unfairly.

Key arrests and roles of accused

Following intensive surveillance, the Crime Branch arrested three key suspects involved in the scam

1. Vijay Vaghela (Ahmedabad) – Mastermind behind the fraud; used search engines to obtain debugging software, identify vulnerabilities, and exploit payment gateways.

2. Nitesh alias Chhotu (Ahmedabad) – Handled the resale of fraudulently obtained products for profit.

3. Adil Parmar (Ahmedabad) – Used hacked casino betting websites to place manipulated bets and increase illegal earnings.

Authorities confiscated several electronic gadgets and valuables, worth over ₹3.3 lakh

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (₹1.25 lakh), Gaming laptop (₹3.1 lakh), Samsung Z Fold 4 mobile (₹40,000), Multiple smartphones, hard disks, SSD drives, and WiFi routers and receipt of gold jewellery purchased from PNG Jewellers

Gang's modus operandi

The crime was orchestrated through sophisticated cyber techniques, including:

– Searching for vulnerabilities in e-commerce and betting websites using online tools.

– Using debugging software to manipulate transaction details at checkout.

– Modifying price responses to pay significantly lower amounts than the actual cost.

– Providing fake delivery addresses to claim products fraudulently.

– Altering scripts of online betting websites to rig results in their favour.

Targetting websites

The gang primarily targeted jewellery and casino websites, including:

• www.pngjewellers.com
• robu.in
• Flipkart.com
• Other unnamed e-commerce and betting sites (currently under investigation).

Officials believe the accused may have targeted additional platforms, and the probe is ongoing to identify more victims and possible accomplices.