The Sola High Court police have nabbed four members of a cybercrime gang involved in fraudulent activities using rented bank accounts and cryptocurrency. The gang allegedly transferred fraud money to a Chinese gang behind the cybercrime.

The case

Operating through advanced digital platforms like Skype, Binance, and Telegram, the gang impersonated Mumbai Police Crime Branch officials and lawyers. They contacted victims via video calls, convincing them they were involved in money laundering cases. Subsequently, they fraudulently transferred money from victims’ bank accounts using UPI methods.

One victim was duped of ₹97,894.44, traced to accounts operated by the arrested accused. The case, registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the IT Act, led to the swift arrest of the suspects.

The four persons who have been arrested are: Prince Mahendrabhai Ravipara (21), alleged mastermind from Nikol; Jaimingiri Rajeshgiri Goswami (24) of Vastrapur, , and a known account leasing agent; Tanveer Jumabhai Madhra (30), a rickshaw driver from Junagadh whose account was used in the fraud; and Sahil Mehbubbhai Multani (25), another account rental agent from Junagadh.

Modus operandi

- The gang communicated with international entities, including processors using Chinese mobile numbers (+44...), via Google Translate.

- Prince Ravipara provided rented bank account details to these processors in exchange for USDT (a cryptocurrency).

- Funds deposited into these accounts were routed through accomplices, including Goswami, Madhra, and Multani, who earned commissions for their roles.

Criminal history

The suspects have a history of cybercrime:

- Jaimingiri Goswami was wanted in cases registered at Palanpur and Modasa police stations for fraud and IT Act violations.

- Prince Ravipara was previously arrested by Vadodara Cyber Crime Police in 2024 for similar offences but was released on bail.

Police confiscated mobile phones used by the accused, revealing extensive communication with international contacts. Investigators are probing the gang’s links to crimes in other states and abroad. During the investigation, it was revealed that Prince used 14 rented accounts to transfer extorted funds from victims. These accounts were rented for Rs 5,000 each from random people and used for money transactions.

"We have received complaints from 54 victims through the helpline number 1930, and we believe there may be more individuals who have been duped by these suspects," said Balaram Meena, DCP zone-1.

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