Global Cyber Fraud Network Exposed in Gujarat, CID Takes Action

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Massive Cybercrime Ring Uncovered in Gujarat, India

A massive cybercrime ring has been unearthed in Gujarat, India, with the state’s CID launching a thorough investigation into the matter. The scam, which targeted unemployed youths with promises of lucrative job opportunities abroad, has been linked to a Chinese organized crime syndicate.

Modus Operandi of the Scam

According to investigators, the accused, identified as Kaushik Ashwinbhai Pethani, Dhruv Kanubhai Dobaria, Chetan Prakashbhai Soni, Manish Naranji Bhanushali, and several others, lured victims with offers of data entry jobs in Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.

The unsuspecting youths were sent to Bangkok on the pretext of work visas and travel arrangements, only to be transported to Myanmar through illegal border routes.

Forced Participation in Cybercrime Operations

Once in Myanmar, the victims’ passports, mobile phones, and travel documents were confiscated, and they were forced to participate in cybercrime operations.

Those who refused to cooperate were allegedly subjected to physical and mental torture.

Investigation Reveals International Links

The investigation has revealed that Dobaria traveled to Bangkok on January 9 and was later taken to a suspicious location in Myanmar, where he was introduced to Chinese operators and connected with Pethani.

Dobaria allegedly created fake profiles posing as women and sent friend requests to foreign nationals, establishing trust before shifting conversations to messaging apps to attempt fraud through investment schemes, cryptocurrency-related scams, and Ponzi-style operations.

“According to investigators, Dobaria was reportedly promised a monthly salary of around $700, along with a commission ranging from 1 to 6 percent on the amount defrauded from victims.”

Forensic Examination Reveals More Victims

Forensic examination of Dobaria’s mobile phone revealed photographs of several Indian passports, raising suspicions that more individuals were targeted for recruitment into the syndicate.

Authorities believe the case may be part of a larger international conspiracy involving Chinese handlers to defraud citizens of India and other countries.

Investigation Ongoing

The CID is working to identify additional victims, trace other members of the gang, and coordinate with central and international agencies regarding the overseas links of the network.

The investigation is ongoing, with officials invoking relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Information Technology Act for cheating by impersonation using computer resources.

Conclusion

The case highlights the growing threat of international cybercrime syndicates targeting vulnerable individuals with promises of lucrative job opportunities.

As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how far-reaching the scam is and how many more victims have been affected.