In a major crackdown on cyber fraud, the Ahmedabad Cyber Cell has arrested 11 individuals from Rajasthan involved in illegally altering Aadhaar card addresses and opening bank accounts for fraudulent transactions. The gang allegedly provided these accounts to Chinese cybercriminals, facilitating large-scale financial scams across multiple states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

Following intelligence reports, a raid was conducted at House No. C-705, Pashva Residency, Chandkheda, Ahmedabad, where several individuals were found involved in cyber fraud. Upon questioning, one of them, Suresh Jagdish Bishnoi, identified himself as the leader, revealing that all others were from Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

During interrogation, it was discovered that these individuals had been opening multiple bank accounts using fraudulent Aadhaar cards in Ahmedabad and were handing over all banking materials—passbooks, chequebooks, and ATM cards—to Bishnoi. These materials were then sent to Sunil Virani, the mastermind operating from Jodhpur.

Further scrutiny of the Aadhaar cards revealed six instances of manipulated addresses, where the original data had been altered using OTP verification.

The seized items include:

- 12 mobile phones

- 20 Aadhaar cards (including 10 duplicates)

- 10 PAN cards

- 21 chequebooks

- 10 bank passbooks

- 43 ATM/debit cards

- 15 SIM cards

- One pistol with seven live cartridges (found in the possession of accused Sahiram Bishnoi)

Following this revelation, a case was registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station, and further investigations commenced under sections of the IT Act and IPC related to fraud, identity theft, and illegal possession of firearms.

Frauds across country

Technical analysis of the seized mobile phones and further interrogation revealed that 109 complaints had been filed against this gang in the NCRP (National Cybercrime Reporting Portal) across 21 states, including four complaints in Gujarat alone. The gang had managed to open fraudulent bank accounts in 26 branches across different cities.

Modus operandi

The gang operated by exploiting Aadhaar-based OTP verification to modify addresses and then opened bank accounts under false identities.

These accounts were then used for:

- Task fraud (job fraud, investment fraud, and digital fraud transactions)

- Layering and laundering money through multiple accounts

- Withdrawing large sums through IMPS and other online banking methods before detection

They ensured that the money was quickly moved out of the banking system to avoid detection.

More arrests

A special police team was dispatched to Jodhpur, Rajasthan, where additional arrests were made, including key accuseds Lalit Bibhoi and Kuldeep Panamaram Kichar.

The arrested individuals from Ahmedabad and Rajasthan include:

1. Suresh Jagdish Bishnoi (19), Jodhpur, Rajasthan

2. Anil Ugrasen Bishnoi (20), Bikaner, Rajasthan

3. Kailas Khmoram Bibhoi (46), Jodhpur, Rajasthan

4. Rekmaram Bhagwanaram Vibhoi (17), Jodhpur, Rajasthan

5. Manish Hazariram Bibhoi, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

6. Vikas Punasam Bibhoi (18), Rajasthan

7. Sakesh Sukhlam Vibhoi, Rajasthan

8. May Shafistam Presoi, Rajasthan

9. Mankul Sahiram Vishoi (45) Rajasthan

10. Lalitkumar Shankarlal Bibhoi, Bikaner, Rajasthan

11. Kuldeep Hanuman Ram Kitcher (21), Rajasthan

A local court granted a 10-day remand for further interrogation, during which it was revealed that the illegal firearm was procured from Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, with connections to an arms supplier named Hukramam Bhagwanaram Bishnoi.

Public advisory and police appeal

Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution and follow these safety measures:

1. Never share OTPs with unknown persons.

2. Avoid investment schemes promising high returns.

3. Do not download or click on unknown links.

4. Report online threats to local police or cyber helpline (1930).

5. Do not allow your bank account to be misused for suspicious transactions.

6. Report suspicious tenants to the local police station.