In a significant crackdown on digital crime, the Mira-Bhayander Vasai-Virar (MBVV) police have dismantled a suspected transnational cyber investment fraud ring, arresting seven individuals for allegedly swindling victims across 11 Indian states of a staggering Rs 200 crore.
The Arrests and the Modus Operandi
According to police officials, the accused posed as finance professionals to lure their targets. They primarily contacted victims, including high-profile businessmen, through dating apps, matrimonial sites, and social media platforms. Once they established contact, they offered enticingly high returns on investments to persuade people to part with their money.
The operation led to the arrest of Roshankumar Shetty, Sabir Khan, Sanad Das, Rahul Rakeshkumar, Amir Sherkhan, Abhishek Narkar, and Mohamed Rashid Fakir. Five of them were initially nabbed from a lodge in Naigaon, Vasai, last year, with the remaining two arrested later in Mumbai. All seven are currently in judicial custody.
The Kingpin and the Network's Structure
Police revealed that the alleged mastermind, Abdul Sattar, a resident of Sakinaka in Mumbai, is currently operating from Dubai and remains at large. The arrested individuals are linked to 51 fraud cases so far.
MBVV Police Commissioner Niket Kaushik confirmed the seizure of several computers and phones from the Naigaon lodge. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Doiphode detailed the roles within the network. Shetty, Khan, and Das allegedly provided their bank accounts to funnel the stolen funds for a commission, acting as 'mules'. Sherkhan's role was to ensure these account holders stayed put during transactions.
Further down the chain, Mohamed Rashid Fakir was tasked with identifying such potential mule accounts across India. He would then share this data with Abhishek Narkar, who collaborated directly with the Dubai-based kingpin, Abdul Sattar.
Ongoing Investigation and Wider Net
The investigation continues to expand. Senior Inspector Pramod Badakh of the crime branch unit 4 stated that the police have identified 42 more mule accounts whose owners are now being traced. This indicates the extensive reach of the fraud network within the country.
This bust highlights the sophisticated methods employed by cybercriminals who exploit trust on social platforms for large-scale financial fraud. The MBVV police's operation underscores a growing focus on tackling complex, cross-border digital crimes that target Indians from all walks of life.
