Six more accused arrested; Dubai-based network linked to over 1,500 cybercrime cases across India
Ahmedabad/Surat – In a major breakthrough, the Gujarat CID Crime Cyber Cell has arrested six additional members of a sprawling interstate cybercrime syndicate operated from Dubai. Investigators say the network is connected with 1,549 cyber fraud cases nationwide, involving an estimated ₹804 crore in illicit gains.
According to officials, the racket lured individuals across various states with fake incentives to obtain bank accounts, ATM cards and corresponding mobile SIMs. These accounts were later misused by masterminds based in Dubai to execute illegal online transactions and launder money through complex cross-border channels.
A year-long covert operation
The accused had allegedly been part of the criminal supply chain for nearly a year. They were tasked with opening bank accounts using local identities, collecting ATM cards and SIMs, and forwarding them to Dubai for orchestrated cyber fraud operations.
Funds swindled from victims were routed into these “mule accounts”, then layered through multiple banking channels before being converted into cash and transferred up the hierarchy. To mask the activity, the group used scrap metal trade as a business cover.
Fraudulently earned cash hidden in ‘scrap trucks’
Three of the arrested individuals —
Sazeb Firozbhai Khereni, Sohil Saddruddin Wadhwaniya, and Aminbhai Akbarbhai Bhayani, all residents of Surat — allegedly coordinated the transportation of proceeds disguised within scrap consignments.
Police said they facilitated shipments of around 200 trucks loaded with scrap worth over ₹20 crore to suspected kingpin Aamir Altaf Halani, based in Dubai. In return, they received cash generated from cybercrime activities. Investigators disclosed that Sazeb attempted to destroy his mobile phone to erase digital evidence ahead of arrest.
Mule accounts and SIM supply chain exposed
Another duo — Kamlesh Ashok Sen and Sagar Ashok Sen, also from Surat — supplied approximately 270 bank accounts and 300 SIM cards to the syndicate. They were paid ₹1,000 per SIM and ₹50,000 per bank account, officials said.
The sixth accused, Rahul Kumar Rajeshkumar Vala, from Devgarh Baria, acted as a payment collection agent. He allegedly used the traditional angadia network to transfer cash, receiving a 1% commission for his services.
Multiple cybercrime techniques under one network
Investigators have identified that the gang executed nearly every major form of cyber fraud currently prevalent across India, including:
- Digital arrest fraud
- Fake stock and investment scams
- UPI payment fraud
- Fraud through instant loan apps
- Deposit and job scams
- Identity spoofing via WhatsApp and Telegram
The common goal was to entice victims with promises of high returns and divert funds into mule accounts controlled by the syndicate.
Accused arrested
1. Kamlesh Ashok Sen — Surat
2. Sagar Ashok Sen — Surat
3. Rahul Kumar Rajeshkumar Vala — Devgarh Baria
4. Sazeb Firozbhai Khereni — Surat
5. Sohil Saddruddin Wadhwaniya — Surat
6. Aminbhai Akbarbhai Bhayani — Surat
Police have also seized six mobile phones and several digital storage devices for forensic analysis.
More arrests likely as investigation widens
CID officials believe the racket has dozens of handlers across multiple states, along with foreign operators facilitating financial movement. Probes into international banking links and digital channels are underway.
Authorities expect further arrests and significant disclosures in the coming weeks.
Coordinated effort with international agencies
Indian agencies are now working with Dubai Police and global cybercrime units to track the mastermind and choke the flow of funds routed abroad.
A senior CID officer stated:
“This marks the beginning of a larger crackdown on cyber syndicates. Anyone assisting foreign crime networks from within India will face strict action.”
