Gandhinagar/Vadodara: In a major breakthrough against rising cybercrime in the country, a large organised fraud network operating through fake SIM cards and bank accounts has been busted in Gujarat. The racket, involving fraud worth over ₹210 crore, has led to the arrest of six accused who are linked to at least 273 cyber fraud cases reported across India.
The operation was carried out in Vadodara based on specific intelligence inputs, revealing a well-structured network that had been actively executing financial fraud through digital platforms. Investigations indicate that the accused created and managed multiple bank accounts to route illicit funds, making detection and tracking extremely difficult.
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Network operated through layered bank accounts
The arrested individuals have been identified as Abdul Kabir Mohammad Ilyas Pathan, Vivek Vanzara, Mayank Bairwa, Rohit Varma, Mohit Rawal, and Dipesh Rajpurohit alias Montu. Among them, Rajpurohit is believed to be the key operator, managing a network of around 40 bank accounts used for siphoning off fraudulent money.
Each accused had a defined role within the network. Some were responsible for opening bank accounts, while others procured SIM cards linked to those accounts. A separate group handled withdrawals using ATMs, cheques, and debit cards. This structured division allowed the gang to move money rapidly across multiple layers, making the trail harder to trace.
Links to 273 cases, ₹210 crore fraud trail
Analysis of seized mobile phones, financial documents, and digital devices has revealed connections to 273 cyber fraud cases registered across the country. The total fraud amount is estimated at ₹2,10,70,52,247.
During the raids, authorities recovered 11 mobile phones, 12 cheque books, five passbooks, 39 debit cards, one laptop, and 10 QR codes used for digital payments. Additionally, more than 50 bank accounts were identified from the accused’s devices, many of which were reportedly used by interstate and international cyber crime groups.
A wide range of fraud methods is used
Investigations show that the network was involved in multiple types of cyber fraud. These include digital arrest scams, investment fraud, UPI-related fraud, loan scams, part-time job fraud, and online gaming-related deception.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that such networks rely heavily on social engineering techniques. “Cyber criminals today manipulate victims psychologically, gain their trust, and then pressure them into transferring money. These organised systems have become highly sophisticated and dangerous,” he noted.
Pan-India spread with possible global links
Authorities believe that the network was not limited to Gujarat and had operations spanning several states. There are also indications of connections with international cyber crime syndicates, suggesting a broader and more complex operation.
Preliminary findings show that stolen money was quickly transferred through mule accounts — bank accounts used to layer and disguise transactions — making recovery extremely difficult within a short span of time.
Further investigation underway
The probe is ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying other members of the network and uncovering its full extent, including international links. Investigators expect more revelations as digital evidence is further analysed.
Experts warn that cyber crime in India is no longer limited to isolated incidents but has evolved into a coordinated and network-driven ecosystem. Tackling such crimes requires not only technological upgrades but also stronger coordination between institutions and increased public awareness.
