Surat Police Arrest Four Members of Gang Supplying Bank Accounts to Cyber Scamsters

Surat police have apprehended four individuals, including one from Mumbai, for allegedly supplying 623 bank accounts to cybercriminals. These accounts were used to transfer illicit funds exceeding Rs 111 crore, according to officials. The arrests occurred on Tuesday, and the suspects are believed to be part of a gang collaborating with cyber fraudsters. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) has received 866 complaints against these criminals, who are linked to 200 FIRs nationwide.

In June, Surat police detained eight people for providing mule accounts to cybercriminals. These accounts were used to stash defrauded money in exchange for a commission. During their questioning, it was revealed that eight more individuals, including two based in Dubai, were involved in this operation. This led the police to raid an office in Surat's Mota Varachha area on Tuesday, resulting in the arrest of Ajay Italia, Jalpesh Nadiadara, and Vishal Thumar.

Cybercrime Network Uncovered

Hiren Barvalia was arrested at Mumbai international airport while attempting to board a flight to Dubai. Four other suspects, Milan Vaghela, Ketan Vekaria, Dashrath Dandhalia, and Jagdish Ajudia, remain at large. Vaghela and Ajudia are believed to be in Dubai. During the raid at the Mota Varachha office, the trio was caught transferring funds deposited by cyber fraud victims from one account to another.

The gang's modus operandi involved accomplices withdrawing cash in Dubai using debit cards after completing fund transfers. The bank accounts provided by these accused were utilised by cybercriminals based in India, Dubai, and China. These criminals engaged in digital arrest, job, task, and investment frauds. The accused charged a commission for granting access to their bank accounts.

Seized Evidence and Operations

During raids at the office and two other locations in Surat, police seized 28 mobile phones, 198 bank passbooks, 100 debit cards, 35 cheque books, 258 SIM cards, and three computers. Investigations revealed that the gang operated 623 bank accounts with transactions totalling Rs 111 crore. A diary found at the office indicated that some bank accounts were acquired from 16 individuals for a specific commission before being offered to cybercriminals for a fee.

NCRP data accessed by Surat police showed that out of these 623 accounts, complaints have been lodged against holders of 370 accounts on the portal. These accounts were used by scammers to receive money from cyber fraud victims. Additionally, these bank accounts are linked to 200 FIRs registered across India for various cybercrimes.

The investigation continues as authorities work to apprehend the remaining suspects and dismantle this extensive network of cybercrime facilitation. The police are determined to bring all involved parties to justice and prevent further exploitation of innocent victims through such fraudulent schemes.