Vadodara | The Gujarat High Court has rejected the bail plea of an accused who allegedly helped convert money earned from cyber crimes into US dollars through cryptocurrency transactions. The court observed that the accused acted as a “vital wheel” in the criminal network — and that, without his role, the offence might “not have taken place at all.”
However, two other co-accused in the same case were granted regular bail, with the court noting that they appeared to have become part of the racket unknowingly while trying to arrange overseas jobs.
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Hearing on three separate bail applications
The case is linked to an international cyber-slavery racket that surfaced in September 2025. Surat Cyber Crime Police busted the network after raids in Chandigarh, where youths were lured with fake offers of salaries up to ₹70,000 per month and sent via Thailand to Myanmar — where they were allegedly forced into cyber fraud operations.
The High Court heard the bail applications of Shashank Saxena, Aqib Hussain Saiyed, and Danish Dantrelia together.
“The crime could not have happened without him”
Shashank Saxena, a 24-year-old MBA professional from Mumbai, argued that he was unaware of the wider criminal conspiracy and merely earned a small commission for crypto conversions.
But the court noted that the FIR includes grave offences — luring Indian citizens across borders on the pretext of employment and forcing them to work as “cyber slaves” in Myanmar.
In its oral order, the court remarked:
“Though the applicant may not have a direct role in human trafficking, the records suggest he is a crucial link in the chain… without his cooperation, the crime may not have taken place.”
Crypto conversion worth ₹1.54 crore
According to the court, Saxena allegedly converted nearly ₹1.54 crore worth of cryptocurrency into USD through multiple e-wallets for the purported main agent, Nipender alias Nirav Chaudhary.
While Saxena presented himself as a “small commission agent,” the court said the volume of money suggested otherwise — indicating he could be a “willing accomplice.”
On that basis, the court refused to grant regular bail even though the chargesheet has already been filed.
Foreign networks and cyber fraud operations
The public prosecutor told the court that victims trafficked into Myanmar are made to run online frauds, investment scams and “cyber arrest” schemes. The larger operation, he added, is allegedly run by foreign networks, including Chinese nationals.
Given the seriousness of the offence and the organised nature of the network, the court said the prime accused could not be released at this stage.
Two accused get relief — “small players, unaware”
In contrast, the court took a different view on Aqib Saiyed and Danish Dantrelia. Police alleged both facilitated travel for two youths and received commissions of ₹21,500 and ₹28,000 per person.
The court, however, observed that they were small-level facilitators and likely unaware that the youths would become victims of trafficking. Keeping them in jail now, the court said, would amount to “pre-trial punishment.”
Both were released on ₹50,000 bond, with conditions including monthly appearance at the local police station.
Key message: financial links matter as much as recruiters
The order underlines an important principle — in organised networks involving trafficking and cyber fraud, not only recruiters but also those who move, convert or channel the money are treated as serious offenders under law.
The case will continue for further hearing, while investigative agencies probe deeper into the network.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
