Gujarat cyber cell busts ₹200-crore cyber fraud network linked to Dubai, 6 held

In a breakthrough against organised cybercrime, the Cyber Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar has dismantled an interstate and international cyber fraud network that laundered over ₹200 crore through mule bank accounts, crypto transactions, and angadia channels to a syndicate operating out of Dubai.

According to officials, the accused had opened multiple bank accounts across different states to receive funds siphoned off from victims of cyber frauds, including scams related to digital arrests, part-time jobs, investment schemes, loan offers, and UPI-based frauds. The laundered money was either withdrawn in cash or converted into cryptocurrency before being routed overseas.

The investigation

Acting on specific intelligence and technical surveillance, the Cyber Centre of Excellence team, led by Superintendents of Police Dr Rajdeep Singh Jhala, initiated a coordinated operation across multiple districts. A joint team of Police Inspectors G B Dodia, P D Makwana and Kuldeep Parmar, along with technical experts and field officers, conducted raids in Morbi, Surat, and Savarkundla, resulting in the arrest of six key accused.

The arrested accused

Mahendra Shamjibhai Solanki of Morbi

Rupen Pranjivanbhai Bhatia of Morbi

Rakeshbhai Kantibhai Lania of Surendranagar

Rakesh Kumar Chamanbhai Dekawadia of Surendranagar

Vijay Nathabhai Khambhalya of Surat

Pankaj Babubhai Kathiria of Surat

How the network operated

The accused had registered bogus firms and opened current accounts in various banks. These accounts were then used to deposit money defrauded from citizens across India.

Knowing that the funds were proceeds of crime, the accused converted the deposits into cash or cryptocurrency and channelled them to a Dubai-based handler through angadia couriers and crypto wallets, in exchange for commission.

When the police examined the seized mobile phones of the accused, they found details of over 100 bank accounts linked to 386 cybercrime cases nationwide, involving fraud worth ₹200 crore.

Police have seized 12 mobile phones, several SIM cards and details of more than 100 bank accounts linked to cyber frauds, and further investigation is on.