Ahmedabad. A cybercrime racket involving alleged misuse of Aadhaar-linked mobile number updates has been exposed in Ahmedabad, where the registered mobile numbers of 240 people were reportedly changed to access sensitive personal and banking information. Four accused have been arrested, including individuals associated with Common Service Centre operations responsible for Aadhaar updates and other government digital services.
CSC Staff Under Scanner for Aadhaar Misuse
Investigations revealed that three of the arrested accused were associated with CSC centres. Officials said the gang allegedly exploited system loopholes and used digital techniques to alter Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers without authorisation.
The main accused, identified as Kanubhai, operated a CSC centre that allegedly functioned as the hub of the network. The other three accused were also found to be linked to the same operation.
DigiLocker and OTP Access Used to Obtain Data
After changing the registered mobile numbers, the accused allegedly used OTPs sent to the new numbers to access DigiLocker accounts. From there, they reportedly accessed bank details, emails and other personal information of victims.
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Investigators said the stolen data was then used in attempts to carry out financial fraud. The accused allegedly tried to obtain multiple loans using the compromised information, though most applications were rejected. Only a small loan of around ₹26,000 was successfully processed.
Probe Expands Into Wider Digital Identity Breach
Authorities said the network systematically altered Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers of 240 individuals over the course of a year. Victims reportedly discovered the fraud after noticing unusual banking activity or finding that they could no longer access DigiLocker through their registered mobile numbers.
Cybercrime officials have advised citizens to regularly monitor their Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers and report suspicious activity immediately. They also said Aadhaar systems can be protected by enabling the biometric lock feature on the mAadhaar app, which helps prevent unauthorised changes to Aadhaar-linked information.
Investigative agencies are now examining other possible links in the network and identifying additional victims. Officials said the investigation is continuing and further findings may emerge as the full extent of the fraud is traced.
