Digital arrest fraud: 1,000+ SIM cards routed from Gujarat to Dubai, key accused nabbed

Ahmedabad Cyber Crime has unearthed a major international SIM-card racket while probing a ₹25-lakh ‘digital arrest’ fraud targeting a senior citizen. What began as a WhatsApp number trace has led investigators to a network supplying Indian SIM cards to illegal call centres in Dubai.

Mastermind Vijay Rawal, an Airtel agent and distributor, allegedly issued SIM cards using forged or misused customer documents. Two others, Shubham Paradiya and Kiran Thakkar, handled collection and shipment of these SIMs to Dubai.

The fourth accused, Kuldeep Joshi, worked in illegal betting call centres there and transported SIM cards during his visits to Gujarat.

In two years, the trio sent over 1,000 SIM cards overseas. Dubai operators Bhavesh Joshi alias Laden and Kanu Varahi paid ₹1,500 for each SIM. Local agents lured labourers and unaware customers by offering ₹500–700 per SIM.

These SIMs fuelled cyber fraud, betting, and gaming rackets in multiple foreign call centres. Police have now launched efforts to trace and arrest the two Dubai-based players.