Ayurveda Practitioner Arrested in Morbi for Facilitating Cyber Fraud Through Bank Account
The Morbi Cybercrime police station has made a significant arrest, apprehending a 20-year-old ayurveda practitioner for allegedly renting out his personal bank account to receive proceeds from cyber fraud schemes. The arrest highlights a growing trend where individuals are exploited or willingly participate in financial crimes by offering their banking facilities to criminals.
Details of the Complaint and Investigation
A formal complaint was registered at the Morbi City Cybercrime police station on February 5, targeting Sujal Chamadiya along with two other individuals: Chirag from Ahmedabad and Manoj Makwana. The investigation was led by officer N A Vasava, who uncovered that Chamadiya maintained an account with Union Bank.
During a meticulous scrutiny of the account, police discovered multiple suspicious transactions that occurred on November 13 and November 14 of the previous year. These transactions raised red flags, prompting a deeper probe into the financial activities linked to Chamadiya's account.
Financial Transactions and Interrogation Findings
Officials confirmed that a total of seven transactions had credited an amount of Rs 14.55 lakh into Chamadiya's Union Bank account. Upon interrogation, Chamadiya reportedly admitted to renting out his bank account to his friend Chirag and associate Manoj approximately three months prior to the investigation.
In exchange for providing access to his account, Chamadiya received a commission of Rs 20,000. He also disclosed to the police that he had handed over his complete bank kit, including essential documents and access details, to the accused individuals, thereby facilitating their illicit activities.
Source of Fraudulent Funds and Broader Implications
Further investigation revealed that the credited money originated from multiple states across India. Specifically, transfers included Rs 4.91 lakh from Andhra Pradesh, Rs 1.24 lakh from Punjab, and Rs 1.38 lakh from Telangana. Police noted that complaints related to these transactions had been officially filed on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) in all three states, indicating a widespread cyber fraud network.
This case underscores the critical role of bank accounts in cybercrime operations and the importance of vigilance among account holders. The arrest serves as a stern warning against participating in such fraudulent schemes, which not only violate financial laws but also contribute to broader criminal activities affecting victims nationwide.
