Cybercrime police in Surat have uncovered a large-scale investment fraud that spanned multiple states and funnelled more than ₹1.5 crore through the bank account of a daily wage labourer. The case highlights how organized cyber gangs exploit ordinary citizens, using their financial credentials to carry out wide-ranging scams.
The accused, identified as Chirag Prajapati, a resident of Chamunda Nagar in Harij, Patan, admitted to renting out his bank account to the fraudsters for a commission of ₹70,000. Investigators said Prajapati, who had earlier served in the Gram Rakshak Dal (GRD), was instructed to withdraw cash from ATMs and hand it over after the victims’ money was deposited into his account.
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Victim’s Complaint Triggers Investigation
The case came to light when a Surat resident filed a complaint on July 27, 2025. The complainant was lured into investing in a stock market scheme with promises of high returns. Over time, he transferred ₹6,75,600 into multiple accounts but received neither profit nor his principal back. Realizing he had been cheated, he approached the cybercrime police, setting off an investigation that eventually led to Prajapati’s arrest.
During the probe, officials discovered that transactions worth ₹1.53 crore had passed through his account. The money trail linked to complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP) revealed that Prajapati’s account had been flagged in at least seven separate cases, two from Haryana and one each from Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
Scam Networks Expand Across States
Investigators say the fraud was not confined to Surat alone. The syndicate reportedly operated across state borders, collecting money from victims nationwide before channelling it through rented accounts. By dispersing transactions across different jurisdictions, the gang created a complex network that complicates the investigative trail.
Authorities have cautioned citizens against renting or sharing their bank accounts with unknown parties, warning that such actions constitute active participation in fraud and could lead to prosecution. Even if done for commission, the account holder is liable as an accomplice.
Police have launched a wider investigation to trace the masterminds orchestrating the racket. While Prajapati remains in custody, officials believe that several more individuals and shell accounts were used to facilitate the movement of funds. The case underscores the rising challenge of cyber-enabled financial crimes and the risks posed by fraudulent online investment schemes.