In a major cybercrime bust, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch arrested three individuals involved in 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 acquire products at drastically reduced prices and rig gambling activities to maximize their illicit profits.
The accused individuals are identified as Vijay Vaghela, the alleged mastermind of the operation, Nitesh alias Chhotu, who resold the fraudulently acquired products, and Adil Parmar, who manipulated casino betting websites to place rigged bets.
Authorities seized a range of electronic devices and valuables, with a total value exceeding Rs3 lakh. Among the confiscated items were an Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (worth Rs1.25 lakh), a gaming laptop (Rs3.1 lakh), a Samsung Z Fold 4 mobile (Rs40,000), along with smartphones, hard disks, SSD drives, Wi-Fi routers, and receipts for gold jewelry purchased from PNG Jewellers.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Crime Ajit Rajian explained that the gang used debugging software to exploit vulnerabilities in the payment gateway systems of targeted e-commerce platforms. By manipulating the payment responses, they were able to purchase high-end products at a fraction of their true cost. These products were later resold for significant profits, defrauding businesses of an estimated Rs7 crore.
In addition to their e-commerce fraud, the gang also targeted online betting websites, using fraudulent methods to rig outcomes and place manipulated bets, further increasing their illicit earnings.
This crackdown by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch marks a significant step in tackling cybercrimes involving online fraud and gambling activities, with authorities continuing their investigations into the syndicate’s broader operations.
