Cyber Fraud Hub Worth ₹20 Crores Operated from Lodge Room, 3 Arrested with Equipment

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Mumbai: Law enforcement officials uncovered a cybercrime operation based in a lodging facility in Vasai East, Maharashtra, leading to the arrest of three individuals from Gujarat.

Uncovering the Cyber Fraud Network

The operation, alleged to have targeted victims across nine states, resulted in financial losses exceeding ₹20 crore. Authorities seized 20 mobile devices, five laptops, and counterfeit Aadhaar and PAN cards during a raid. ₹1.5 crore in suspected illicit funds was traced to bank accounts linked to the suspects.

Timeline of the Operation

The investigation began after a lodge employee reported suspicious behavior by the three men, who had been staying at the facility for approximately a month. According to police, the suspects remained confined to their room during daytime hours, making frequent calls, and spent nights consuming alcohol.

Details of the Arrested Individuals

The arrested individuals—Sheikh Aftab Ahmed (28), Sheikh Mohammad Saif (21), and Shahrukh Pathan (30), all from Vadodara, Gujarat—were reportedly involved in sextortion schemes, digital arrest scams, and other fraudulent practices.

Methods Used in the Fraud

The gang used malicious APK files to target victims and conducted digital arrest calls to instill fear, coercing individuals into transferring money under threats of legal repercussions. Investigators determined links between the suspects and mule bank accounts across the country, which were used to process large sums of money daily.

Evidence Recovered

A total of 25 complaints have been filed in connection with the alleged activities. The recovered laptops and mobile phones are expected to provide critical digital evidence, including victim data, payment histories, and communication logs. The fake Aadhaar and PAN cards recovered during the raid are under scrutiny to determine their role in facilitating financial transactions.

Key Findings

Two specific accounts tied to the arrested men were found to have received ₹1.5 crore in suspected proceeds. Investigators are examining how identities were exploited within the network and mapping the structure of the alleged fraud operation.

Ongoing Investigations

Law enforcement is tracing digital footprints, banking activities, and communication networks to establish the flow of illicit funds and potential collaborators. The findings may reveal a broader network operating across nine states.

According to police, the suspects remained confined to their room during daytime hours, making frequent calls, and spent nights consuming alcohol.

Implications and Next Steps

The probe focuses on quantifying the total financial impact, identifying the roles of each suspect, and analyzing transaction records, mobile numbers, and electronic devices. Authorities aim to uncover the full scope of the operation and potential collaborators.