The Olpad police in Surat have dismantled an international scam, arresting a six-member gang that enticed individuals with promises of financial gains while opening fraudulent bank accounts for cybercrimes.
Operating purportedly from Dubai, the scam involved illegal transactions totaling crores of rupees. Five additional suspects, including two based in Dubai, have been declared wanted in connection with the case.
According to Surat DSP Hitesh Joysar, police received a tip-off regarding two individuals, Bindesh Madadiya and Abhishek Chatrabhuj, who, along with their accomplices, lured victims into opening bank accounts by offering commissions ranging from Rs10,000 to Rs1 lakh.
The scammers collected account kits from unsuspecting individuals, sending them to Dubai, where they engaged in cybercrime using false online identities. The duo and their associates were expected to meet on the Olpad-Sayan road to exchange account kits and essential documents. Acting on the tip-off, police apprehended the suspects and seized a substantial amount of evidence.
Authorities recovered 27 mobile phones, 190 SIM cards from various companies, an Apple iPad, 11 bank account kits, 18 passbooks, 15 ATM and credit cards, Aadhaar cards, and a PAN card, collectively valued at Rs3,93,500.
The investigation revealed that the gang opened bank accounts using the registered mobile numbers of unsuspecting individuals, forwarding the documents to Dubai. These accounts were subsequently used for transactions involving gaming, cryptocurrency, and US dollars, with account holders receiving minimal compensation while being held liable for any illegal activities.
Arrested individuals Milan and Vivek were found in possession of account kits that they handed over to Abhishek, who then passed them to Bindesh for shipment to Dubai.
This scam has reportedly been active for the past six months, involving transactions estimated at ₹51 crore to ₹52 crore. During interrogation, the arrested suspects confessed to their roles and disclosed the involvement of two Dubai-based accomplices and three others. As a result, police are actively pursuing these five individuals.
The arrested members of the gang include:
- Bindesh Madadiya
- Abhishek Chatrabhuj
- Vivek Bambhroliya
- Milan Bambhroliya
- Kalu Jadav
- Ronak Savaliya