Police have intensified action against a large cyber fraud network operating across multiple states, leading to the arrest of nine people. The case is linked to suspicious transactions estimated at around ₹1,500 crore, involving investigations into cybercrime, gaming-related transfers, and tax-linked financial flows.
APMC Accounts Exploited for Massive Fraud
According to investigative agencies, the gang opened approximately 15 private bank accounts and used them in an organised manner to carry out fraud. These accounts were specifically registered under firms linked to Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) entities in an attempt to evade financial monitoring and tax compliance regulations.
Mule Accounts and Angadia Courier Network
Police said the racket also used mule accounts and traditional courier-based money transfer channels for moving funds. Telangana resident Adiluddin Mohammed was arrested for allegedly depositing fraud money into mule accounts and later arranging its return through the traditional ‘angadia’ courier system.
Two other suspects, Mihir Rangani and Hiren Limbasiya from Rajkot, were also arrested. Authorities said the accused were involved in providing bank accounts, withdrawing cash, and transferring illegal funds through multiple layers of financial movement. Six other persons had already been arrested on February 13, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to nine.
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₹1,500 Crore Transactions Across Cyber Portals
Investigators also found that the accounts were used for multiple types of financial transactions. Besides fraud proceeds, suspicious transfers related to online gaming and GST-linked activities were also routed through the same accounts, police said.
Officials said APMC-linked accounts were chosen because banking compliance requirements for such accounts are relatively less strict. The gang allegedly exploited this regulatory gap to avoid tax and audit scrutiny.
The probe so far has detected suspicious transactions worth nearly ₹1,500 crore. A total of 180 complaints related to the network have been registered on the Cyber Crime Portal 1930, including 21 complaints from Gujarat involving about ₹2.94 crore, while 159 complaints from other states account for roughly ₹20.21 crore in losses.
Ongoing Probe Targets Larger Network
Police said the gang had been operating a coordinated cybercrime network across various parts of the country for a long time. Technical teams are analysing bank transaction records, server logs, and digital data to uncover the entire network.
Authorities have indicated that further arrests and property seizure actions are possible as the investigation progresses. Cybersecurity experts warned that such organised fraud networks pose a serious challenge to digital banking systems and government financial infrastructure.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
