Ahmedabad cyber cell nabs 6 in Chinese-led cyber scam operating from Cambodia, Nepal

In a significant breakthrough, the Ahmedabad City Cyber Crime Branch has dismantled an international cyber fraud syndicate with alleged links to Chinese nationals, operating out of Cambodia and Nepal. Six Indian members of the racket were arrested in coordinated operations in Ahmedabad and Surat.

The syndicate allegedly lured unsuspecting Indian bank account holders by promising them legal fund transfers from Dubai, only to misuse their credentials for laundering money through cyber frauds like digital arrest, Telegram task codes and fake investment scams.

The investigation began after a complaint was lodged. According to the FIR, one Pranay Subhash Bhavsar, an Ahmedabad resident, was taken to Kathmandu on the pretext of facilitating a fund transfer. There, his ICICI bank account credentials and linked SIM card were unlawfully accessed and operated by members of the gang with the help of Chinese nationals. Transactions worth over ₹3.4 crore were routed through Bhavsar’s account on January 21 and 22, 2025.

The accused allegedly held Bhavsar captive at Hotel Cascade in Kathmandu for six days. During this period, his mobile number and email were registered on the bank account without his consent. Investigators say this modus operandi has been used repeatedly to siphon off funds from victims across India.

The six arrested have been identified as:

1. Manan alias Chirag Goswami (23)– Allegedly coordinated operations from Cambodia and sent account details to gang members.
2. Rahul Yadav (29)– Said to have recruited bank account holders under false pretences.
3. Arif Syed (30)– Allegedly facilitated the transport of victims to Nepal.
4. Gautam alias Marco Chauhan (22)– Accused of booking over 20 travel tickets and converting fraud proceeds into USDT (cryptocurrency).
5. Chirag Dhola (29)– Allegedly aided in registering digital credentials and meeting with Chinese suspects.
6. Yash Yadav (23) – Assisted in coercing victims and logistics.

Police say the gang paid around $1500 in commission per bank account 'kit' sent for use in laundering operations. So far, over 200 related complaints have been registered on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.

According to officials, accused Manan Goswami and Gautam alias Marco have travelled to countries including Cambodia, Dubai, Singapore, and Nepal in connection with similar cybercrimes.

Opertaion was conducted by the Cyber cell team with the help of technical surveillance and human intelligence. Multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, and travel documents were seized.

The accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including criminal conspiracy and forgery, along with provisions of the Information Technology Act.

Investigations are ongoing to identify the Chinese handlers and trace the movement of funds through crypto channels. Authorities have issued advisories urging citizens to remain cautious and avoid sharing bank details or travelling abroad on suspicious pretexts.