A massive cyber scam involving fake bank accounts and illegal transactions worth INR 2050 crore has come to light in Gujarat. The case is being described as Gujarat’s Biggest Cyber Fraud, with most of the activity traced to Surat and Mumbai. The fraud was operated using 164 fake bank accounts, out of which 119 were linked to RBL Bank. The scam was uncovered after the cybercrime cell in Surat detained a suspect with suspicious banking tools during a vehicle check in Udhna on May 22.
Following the arrest, police raided several locations in Mota Varachha and nabbed key accused Kirat Jadwani, Meet Khokhar, and Mayur Italiya. According to the investigation, the gang opened accounts using fake documents of poor or unemployed individuals. Some people were offered as much as INR 8 lakh in return for providing their Aadhaar and PAN cards. A few accounts were also created in the name of fake companies. These accounts were then used to move large sums of money through online betting, fraudulent calls, and cryptocurrency trades.
How the Scam Was Operated
- The scam came to light when Surat Cyber Cell detained a suspect with bank kits and fake seals during a vehicle check in Udhna on May 22.
- This led to raids in multiple areas of Surat and arrests of Kirat Jadwani, Meet Khokhar, Mayur Italiya, and others.
- Out of 164 fake accounts, 119 were from RBL Bank alone. Around INR 1455 crore was transferred through these accounts in just six months.
- Accused used fake documents of poor and vulnerable people. Some were promised up to INR 8 lakh for sharing Aadhaar and PAN cards.
- Accounts were opened in the names of fake companies. Funds were routed through these accounts and used in betting, online scams, and crypto dealings.
- The scam has international links to countries like Cuba, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Ongoing Investigation and Police Action
- Police are questioning bank staff from Surat to Mumbai to find out how so many fake accounts were opened without proper KYC checks.
- Officials have found connections with Axis Bank, Yes Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank accounts as well.
- A total of 2500 cybercrime complaints are linked to these accounts, including 265 from Gujarat and 36 from Surat.
- Surat police have already frozen INR 2.5 crore from related accounts, including INR 1.4 crore directly connected to Jadwani.
- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) may join the investigation due to the involvement of crypto and foreign transactions.
Summary
The unearthing of INR 2050 crore in illegal transactions makes this Gujarat’s Biggest Cyber Fraud ever recorded. The case has exposed serious lapses in banking KYC procedures and revealed the growing threat of globally operated cybercrime syndicates. Citizens are advised to stay cautious and avoid sharing personal documents or OTPs with anyone.
To report suspicious cyber activity, visit the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: www.cybercrime.gov.in
