Ahmedabad’s Cyber Crime Cell on Thursday arrested 11 individuals in a major crackdown on cybercrime, with nine suspects caught in Gujarat and two in Rajasthan. Three key suspects, Snil Derani, Abhishek Bishnoi, and CP Gadhara, remain at large.
According to authorities, four of those arrested were students who admitted to opening bank accounts for Rs 25,000 each, along with additional incentives for recruiting others. These accounts were used for fraudulent activities, funding a lavish lifestyle.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Lavina Sinha said that the accused were involved in digital arrest, investment, and task-based fraud schemes.
“Over 109 FIRs have been registered against them across 21 states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The gang operated in border areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat, using fake addresses to open bank accounts. Authorities also seized a pistol and seven live cartridges from the accused. The suspects have been produced in court and remanded to police custody,” she said.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Hardik Makadiya revealed that the arrested individuals, identified as Suresh Bishnoi (19), Anil Bishnoi (20), Kuldeep Bishnoi, and Lalitkumar, were either graduate or post-graduate students.
“They were recruited by the gang’s kingpins, who provided multi-level incentives for bringing in more bank accounts for fraudulent activities. However, the key persons running the racket are based in China,” he said.
The accused reportedly used fake address proofs to open bank accounts in Gujarat’s border regions, particularly in Deesa, Banaskantha. These accounts were used to funnel stolen funds while evading law enforcement. In one instance, a bank account was opened using a local hotel’s address in Lal Darwaja.
ACP Makadiya stressed the need for banks to implement stricter verification procedures to curb such fraudulent practices.
During the operation, the Cyber Crime Cell recovered several items, including 10 passbooks, 43 ATM and debit cards, 12 PAN cards, 20 Aadhar cards—three of which belonged to women—15 SIM cards, 21 cheque books, and one rental agreement. A pistol and seven live cartridges were also confiscated.
Authorities plan to petition the High Court for UIDAI Aadhar card details, verify the seized PAN cards through banks, take legal action against landlords who failed to conduct police verification, collaborate with other states for joint operations, and advise banks on enhancing their account opening procedures.
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