Gujarat CID Unravels ₹250 Crore Cyber Fraud Network Spanning 21 States

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Operation details and key findings of Gujarat CID’s cyber fraud investigation.

Operation Details

Gujarat CID dismantled a large-scale cyber fraud network involving 19 individuals, with financial transactions exceeding ₹250 crore across 21 states. The operation uncovered mule accounts, cross-chain transactions, international connections to Dubai, and the exploitation of bank credentials via malicious applications. Ongoing investigations continue to trace additional links.

Investigation Breakdown

Ahmedabad-based cybercrime authorities executed a targeted operation, resulting in the arrest of 19 suspects linked to a sophisticated cybercrime syndicate. The network allegedly facilitated over ₹250 crore in illicit financial activities through fabricated and rented bank accounts. Investigators confirmed connections to 146 cybercrime cases, with five major fraud incidents identified during the probe.

Victim Targeting Methods

Victims were reportedly targeted through deceptive investment schemes, online trading scams, deposit frauds, and UPI-based attacks. In multiple instances, individuals were coerced into installing malicious APK files, granting fraudsters remote access to devices and banking information.

Key Findings

Operational Hubs and Connections

The investigation revealed that operational hubs were located in Mota Varachha and Jahangirpura in Surat, while suspected coordination from Dubai was also noted. Following the arrest of six suspects in Mehsana and Gandhinagar, investigators traced transactions exceeding ₹161 crore through a single accused’s bank account. The primary orchestrator associated with this account was also detained.

Case-Specific Details

In a Vadodara-linked case, four suspects were linked to 101 cybercrime complaints. Another significant development involved the arrest of an MBA student from a private Vadodara university, who allegedly opened over ten bank accounts under false pretenses, funneling ₹7.40 crore in fraudulent transactions. This individual was connected to 28 cybercrime cases.

Expert Insights

A cybercrime expert and former IPS officer highlighted the growing reliance on mule account networks by cybercriminals, complicating financial tracking. He emphasized that sharing bank account details, ATM cards, or OTPs constitutes a serious legal violation. He advised the public to never disclose such information under any circumstances.

Ongoing Investigations

Authorities are currently expanding the investigation to identify additional beneficiaries, trace potential international money laundering channels, and examine overseas connections, including those in Dubai. Officials indicated the syndicate operated across multiple states as part of a broader organized cybercrime structure, with further arrests anticipated as the probe advances.