Gujarat CID and Railways’ Cyber Centre Bust ₹200-Crore Cybercrime Racket Linked to Dubai

In a major breakthrough, the Gujarat CID (Crime) and the Railways’ Cyber Centre of Excellence have uncovered a massive ₹200-crore cybercrime racket operating between Gujarat and Dubai. Officials described it as one of India’s most organised cyber-fraud networks, involved in fake online schemes, cryptocurrency laundering, and hawala transactions.

Six Arrested in First Phase

Six people have been arrested so far — Mahesh Solanki and Rupen Bhatiya from Morbi, Rakesh Lania and Rakeshkumar Dekawadiya from Lakhatar in Surendranagar, and Naviya Khambhaliya and Pankit Kanthariya from Surat. Investigators say more arrests are likely as the probe continues.

How the Racket Worked

According to the CID, the gang was running several scams at once — fake loan offers, part-time job ads, and high-return investment schemes. Victims across India were tricked into transferring money, which was then moved through a complex web of fake or “mule” bank accounts.

The fraudsters deposited the stolen money into multiple accounts, withdrew it in Morbi, and sent it through angadia couriers to Surat. There, the money was converted into cryptocurrency, mainly USDT (Tether), and transferred to Dubai through crypto wallets and hawala channels.

Fake Firm Used as Cover

To hide their operations, the accused registered a fake trading firm in the market yard under a local business name. Using this front, they opened several mule accounts for cheque deposits, ATM withdrawals, and online crypto transfers.

Some people who lent their bank accounts received monthly payments of around ₹25,000, while intermediaries earned ₹650 for every ₹1 lakh laundered.

Nationwide Impact

During the investigation, the CID seized 12 mobile phones, two SIM cards, and detailed financial records. Analysis of these devices revealed links to over 100 bank accounts and connections to 386 cybercrime cases across India, including 29 in Gujarat.

Probe Extends to Dubai

ASP Sanjaykumar Keshwala said the operation was meticulously planned to appear legitimate.
“They registered a trading unit only to open mule bank accounts. The stolen money was then laundered through these accounts, converted into cryptocurrency, and sent to Dubai-based handlers,” he explained.

Keshwala added that the probe now focuses on tracing the international network behind the syndicate. “This case clearly involves cryptocurrency transactions with possible foreign masterminds. We are tracking every digital footprint to uncover the full network,” he said.

With the ongoing investigation, officials believe this is only the beginning — and that the real masterminds behind the ₹200-crore racket may still be operating from abroad.