Amreli Police have uncovered an alleged cyber fraud network involving ₹635 crore in transactions, operating across Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh through the SD Pay application. Six people have been arrested, including two alleged masterminds, Dhaval Patel and Hiren Shah.
How Did the SD Pay Fraud Allegedly Work?
Police said investors were attracted with promises of high returns through the SD Pay and APna Pay applications. An FIR was registered after investors complained that they had been lured into the alleged scheme.
The investigation found that the applications had more than 10 lakh downloads and nearly 2 lakh people had joined as investors.
Police said the accused had created the SD Pay application and uploaded it to the Play Store.
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How Big Was the Alleged Network?
Investigators said the application had more than 10 lakh downloads and nearly 2 lakh investors.
Police found that the arrested accused had connected approximately 1.75 lakh people to the network through referrals. The app also offered referral-based payments, mobile recharges and a referral system.
Data relating to around 3.5 lakh people who had registered on the application with their names and mobile numbers was obtained during the investigation.
What Did Police Find in the Bank Accounts?
Investigators examined transactions in bank accounts allegedly connected to the accused and found transactions worth around ₹635 crore over the past one-and-a-half years.
Police said the investigation also uncovered transactions worth around ₹635 crore in bank accounts belonging to legal business entities linked to the accused.
Investigators are examining whether the accused paid income tax, GST or other taxes on these transactions.
Who Has Been Arrested?
Six accused have been arrested in connection with the case.
Police identified Dhaval Patel and Hiren Shah as the alleged masterminds. Both were arrested in Odisha along with their car bearing a Sambalpur registration number.
Police said Dhaval Patel is an engineer and Hiren Shah is an accountant. The other arrested suspects were described as business owners, with some involved in areas including garments, Ahmedabad, Mehsana and Surat.
How Were the Alleged Masterminds Traced?
Police received information that the accused were in Sambalpur, Odisha. Teams were deployed across different states to locate Dhaval Patel and the other suspects.
After the case was registered, Amreli Cyber Crime Police teams searched for Dhaval Patel in Gujarat and other states. Police eventually arrested Patel and Hiren Shah in Odisha.
They were being brought to the Amreli Cyber Crime unit for further arrest procedures and questioning.
What Happens Next in the Investigation?
Police said further questioning of the accused is expected to provide important information about the wider network.
Investigators are examining the financial transactions, bank accounts, referral network and tax-related aspects of the alleged operation. Police also appealed to people who invested money through SD Pay, HDP or other methods to come forward and file complaints.
The420 Safety Tip: High Returns Deserve High Scrutiny
Promises of unusually high returns and referral-based earnings should be checked carefully before any money is invested. Experts have advised people to verify investment schemes found through social media and avoid transferring money without proper verification.
About the author — Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, digital safety, and emerging online threats. Her work focuses on public awareness, legal clarity, and technology-driven risks.
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