In a significant breakthrough, the city police have arrested Anatoliy Mironov Alexandrovich, a Russian national, for his alleged involvement in a “digital arrest” scam and suspected drug trafficking. This arrest follows the earlier apprehension of four Taiwanese nationals who were also linked to the scam.
According to DCP Cyber Crime Lavina Sinha, Anatoliy served as a “gatekeeper”, a term used to describe individuals who manage the money laundering process within cybercrime operations. Anatoliy worked with several gangs based in China, receiving 10-15% of the stolen funds. His role involved monitoring individuals like Mehfoozalam Shah and Nadeemkhan Pathan, who were used to provide their bank accounts for laundering the extorted money.
The scam was uncovered when a senior citizen in Ahmedabad was defrauded of Rs17 lakh. Mehfoozalam was arrested alongside Anatoliy, while Nadeemkhan had been apprehended earlier. ACP Hardik Makadia of the city’s cyber crime cell confirmed that they had pictures of Pathan with Anatoliy and were actively tracing him.
The investigation also revealed that Anatoliy might have links to drug trafficking. Authorities are working with police agencies in Pune and Goa, as Anatoliy had connections to illicit activities in those regions. Investigators believe he met with his Chinese handler in Malaysia and suspect his involvement in running a drug network.
Anatoliy had been visiting India since 2015 on a tourist visa, staying in luxury hotels in Mumbai, Pune, and Goa. In 2024, he made three visits to India. Investigations continue as authorities probe Anatoliy’s criminal network, including possible accomplices in Goa. Despite his foreign origins, Anatoliy speaks English and some Hindi, suggesting his deep familiarity with India.
The police have already obtained his custody from Pune, and further investigations into his role in other illegal activities are ongoing.