Gujarat Police Busts Major Interstate Mule Account Fraud Linked to ₹77 Crore Cyber Scam
Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, Gujarat's CID Crime has uncovered an interstate mule bank account network involved in cyber fraud exceeding ₹77 crore. Sixteen individuals were arrested in a coordinated operation spanning Vadodara, Palanpur, and Goa, revealing extensive financial crimes and international connections.
Key Takeaways
Gujarat CID Crime dismantled a major interstate mule account network.
Fraud linked to ₹77 crore across 375 cases .
16 suspects arrested in Vadodara, Palanpur, and Goa.
Involvement in various cyber fraud schemes revealed.
Significant digital evidence seized during the operation.
Gandhinagar, April 13 (NationPress) The Cyber Centre of Excellence within the CID Crime department of Gujarat has successfully dismantled a cross-border mule bank account network that is reportedly linked to cyber fraud exceeding Rs 77 crore across 375 cases documented on the national cyber crime reporting portal, according to officials on Monday.
This operation took place in Vadodara, Palanpur, and Goa, resulting in the detention of 16 individuals implicated in what investigators characterized as a well-coordinated system for establishing and circulating bank accounts used to facilitate cyber fraud and gaming-related crimes.
The initiative was executed following intelligence reports and directives from senior CID Crime and Railways officials aimed at bolstering anti-cybercrime efforts.
Officials indicated that the raids were conducted under the oversight of senior police personnel.
The suspects allegedly opened both savings and current bank accounts in their names and those of others, and provided account kits and SIM cards to affiliates engaged in cybercrime activities.
In Vadodara, police apprehended five suspects, two in Palanpur, and nine in Goa.
Among those arrested were Kiran Joshi, Siddhraj Shirvadiya, Mahesh Joshi, Jigar Solanki, and Prakash Joshi, taken into custody in Vadodara.
Mitra Shrimali and Mehul Solanki were caught in Palanpur.
The remaining suspects—Jitu Thakkar, Sahil Prajapati, Jaimin Prajapati, Vijay Nayi, Hitesh Thakor, Dhruv Chaudhary, Anilkumar Chaudhary, Ashish Kumar Chaudhary, and Nareshkumar Kharshan—were arrested in Goa, as per the officials.
Some of the detainees were allegedly involved in fabricating fictitious businesses, including “Shivam Agency”, “Shivdhara Masala Business”, and “M R water” to facilitate transactions and create an illusion of legitimacy for financial activities routed through mule accounts.
The primary orchestrators include Kiran Joshi and Jitu Thakkar, with assistance from others to establish mule bank accounts and facilitate financial dealings.
A substantial amount of digital and financial evidence was confiscated during the operation. In Vadodara, authorities recovered 13 mobile phones, 13 cheque books, two passbooks, and four blank cheques. From Goa, they seized 15 laptops, 72 mobile phones, 126 SIM cards, 115 debit cards, 80 passbooks, 15 cheque books, seven QR codes, two pen drives, and one rental agreement.
Officials stated that details regarding more than 260 bank accounts were obtained from the suspects.
Investigators revealed that an analysis of the seized devices uncovered bank statements, transaction records, login credentials, and documents pertaining to cyber-fraud complaints.
They also indicated that communication via WhatsApp and Telegram groups suggested that bank account details were being shared with individuals in Dubai and other international locations, indicating potential global connections.
The police noted that the syndicate was involved in various cyber fraud schemes, including digital arrest scams, investment fraud, UPI fraud, deposit fraud, loan fraud, part-time job fraud, and gaming fraud.
The accused reportedly operated on a commission basis, supplying banking infrastructure utilized for receiving, transferring, and layering the proceeds of crime.
Officials further added that the suspects acquired bank account kits and SIM cards from legitimate account holders and redistributed them within the network for illicit purposes.
Authorities reiterated that bank account holders are legally accountable for all transactions executed through their accounts.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the swift action taken by Gujarat's CID Crime against a sophisticated network of cyber fraud. The arrests underscore the seriousness of cybercrime and the need for continued vigilance. This operation not only reveals the extent of financial deception but also emphasizes the significance of collaborative efforts in combating such crimes on a national and international level.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recent cyber fraud case in Gujarat about?
The recent case involves the dismantling of an interstate mule bank account network linked to cyber fraud exceeding ₹77 crore across 375 cases.
How many people were arrested in this operation?
A total of 16 individuals were arrested during the operation conducted by Gujarat's CID Crime.
What types of fraud were the accused involved in?
The accused were involved in various schemes, including digital arrest scams, investment fraud, UPI fraud, loan fraud, and gaming fraud.
Where did the arrests take place?
Arrests were made in Vadodara, Palanpur, and Goa as part of the operation.
What evidence was seized during the operation?
Authorities seized significant digital and financial evidence, including mobile phones, laptops, SIM cards, and bank account details.
