The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has arrested three individuals in connection with a cybercrime syndicate that exploited security testing software to hack into e-commerce websites and manipulate online betting platforms. The gang used these illegal methods to purchase products at reduced prices and engage in rigged gambling activities to increase their illicit earnings.
The accused are identified as Vijay Vaghela, the alleged mastermind behind the operation, Nitesh alias Chhotu, who handled the resale of the fraudulently obtained products, and Adil Parmar, accused of manipulating casino betting websites to place rigged bets.
Following their arrest, authorities confiscated a range of electronic devices and valuables, totalling over Rs three lakh in value.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Crime Ajit Rajian said, “Among the seized items were an Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (Rs 1.25 lakh), a gaming laptop (Rs 3.1 lakh), a Samsung Z Fold 4 mobile (Rs 40,000), smartphones, hard disks, SSD drives, Wi-Fi routers, and receipts for gold jewellery purchased from PNG Jewellers.”
A senior official told Vibes of India that the gang is believed to have used debugging software to compromise the payment gateway systems of targeted e-commerce platforms.
“By manipulating payment responses, they were able to acquire expensive products at a fraction of their actual cost. These goods were then resold for profit, defrauding businesses of an estimated Rs 7 crore,” the official said.
In addition to their e-commerce fraud, the syndicate also targeted online betting websites. Using fraudulent techniques, they rigged results to predict outcomes and place manipulated bets, further boosting their illegal profits.
How Did They Operate?
The crime was carried out using sophisticated cyber techniques, including the identification of vulnerabilities in e-commerce and betting websites through online tools, manipulation of transaction details during checkout, and altering price responses to pay far below the actual cost.
The gang also provided fake delivery addresses to claim products fraudulently and altered betting scripts to ensure favourable outcomes. “The fake delivery addresses were generally of the areas surrounding Ahmedabad. They used to secretly operate in a closed mobile shop at night,” an official confirmed to VOI.
The gang primarily targeted jewellery and casino websites, including www.pngjewellers.com, robu.in, and Flipkart.com, as well as other unnamed e-commerce and betting sites.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, as they suspect there may be additional victims and accomplices yet to be identified.
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