Gurugram, Haryana — Gurugram Police have dismantled an interstate cyber fraud network involved in fake investment schemes and online gaming scams, arresting nine individuals in a coordinated operation. Investigators said the racket operated across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, with digital links to cybercriminals based in Dubai.

The gang targeted victims through social media and instant messaging apps, luring them with promises of high and quick returns. Once victims clicked on fraudulent links, funds were siphoned from their bank accounts.

Arrests Made in Kota, Rajasthan

Following digital surveillance and forensic analysis, police traced the gang’s operational base to a rented flat in Kota. A raid led to the arrest of all nine suspects. Officials seized 13 mobile phones, three laptops, and 37 ATM cards, which were allegedly used to manage fake accounts, communicate with victims, and move funds across multiple banking channels.

Use of Mule Accounts and Forged Documents

Investigations revealed that the gang used mule accounts to launder money. Economically vulnerable individuals were recruited to open bank accounts, which were then handed over to the network. Forged documents, including fake rental agreements, were reportedly used to open additional accounts.

Initial probes traced at least ₹2.4 lakh to a single mule account, though authorities say the total defrauded amount could be significantly higher.

Direct Links to Dubai-Based Handlers

Some gang members maintained direct contact with cybercriminals in Dubai, who provided fake investment and online gaming links. Victims’ money was routed through local mule accounts before being transferred abroad. Approximately 70% of the defrauded funds went to overseas handlers, with the remaining 30% distributed among local operators.

Gang Structure and Judicial Custody

Police found that several members were salaried operatives responsible for limited tasks like managing bank accounts, handling SIM cards, and contacting victims. Core operators coordinated the fraud and executed instructions from abroad.

All nine accused have been remanded to judicial custody, with further investigations ongoing to identify additional participants, overseas links, and financial transactions.

Rising Concern Over Organised Cybercrime

The case underscores the growing sophistication of cyber fraud networks exploiting online investments and gaming platforms. Citizens are urged to remain cautious of unsolicited investment offers and suspicious online links. Reports of cybercrime can be made via the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.

Ahmedabad / Jaipur / Bhiwadi, December 29, 2025 – In a significant strike against organised narcotics, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), in collaboration with the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and local police, dismantled an illegal drug manufacturing unit in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, arresting three key suspects. Authorities seized approximately 22 kilograms of psychotropic substances, revealing a sophisticated interstate drug network operating under the cover of a pharmaceutical company.

Intelligence-Led Operation

According to the ATS, the raid targeted APL Pharma, located in the RIICO Industrial Area, Bhiwadi, following credible intelligence on illicit drug production. Surveillance and human intelligence confirmed the operation, leading to the joint raid on December 28, 2025.

While the premises appeared to function as a legitimate pharmaceutical facility, officers discovered a fully operational production line manufacturing Alprazolam and other banned psychotropic drugs without any legal license or authorization. The seizure included 5 kg of Alprazolam and 17 kg of semi-processed psychotropic substances, indicating large-scale, sustained production.

Arrests and Detentions

The three arrested individuals are:

• Anshul Anilkumar Shastri (40) – Agra, Uttar Pradesh
• Akhilesh Kumar Parasnath Maurya (41) – Tapukara, Rajasthan
• Krishna Kumar Shrei Yadav (33) – Tapukara, Rajasthan

Three labourers present at the site were also detained for questioning to determine their involvement in the illegal operations.

Scale and Method of Operation

Investigators revealed that the unit operated systematically, producing controlled substances over several months. Raw materials, precursor chemicals, and intermediate products recovered from the site indicate a multi-stage production process capable of sustained output.

Alprazolam, widely prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders, is a controlled psychotropic drug under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act due to its high abuse potential. Illegal manufacturing and distribution of such substances carry severe legal consequences in India.

Legal Proceedings

A case has been registered at the Bhiwadi Phase-3 (UIT) Sector-3 police station under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. The arrested individuals face charges for illegal manufacture and possession of psychotropic drugs. Authorities are investigating whether the substances were intended for local distribution, neighboring states, or wider national black markets.

Supply Chain and Broader Investigation

The ATS and Rajasthan Police are probing the wider network, focusing on:

• Sources of raw materials and chemicals
• Interstate distribution channels
• Potential links to organised crime syndicates
• Financial transactions and communications

Officials noted that the seizure of 22 kg of contraband suggests prolonged activity, with further arrests expected as the investigation continues.

Inter-State Cooperation Against Organised Crime

This operation is part of Gujarat ATS’s broader campaign against organised crime and illegal narcotics. Earlier in December, the agency had dismantled another illegal drug unit in Jodhpur, seizing 40 kg of liquid mephedrone.

A senior ATS spokesperson emphasized the importance of inter-state coordination: “Criminal networks operate across borders; effective policing requires cooperation between states.” Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to chemical procurement or drug distribution.

The investigation is ongoing, and further updates on arrests, court proceedings, and seizures will be released as they occur.

The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has dismantled a large-scale Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud operation allegedly responsible for evading more than ₹500 crore in government revenue. Authorities say the network operated through dozens of shell companies across multiple states, issuing fake invoices and e-way bills to illegally pass on Input Tax Credit (ITC) to legitimate businesses.

Eight people have been arrested so far in what officials describe as a highly organized and technologically driven financial crime syndicate. Further arrests are expected as the investigation expands.

Meerut and Ghaziabad at the Center of Operations

According to investigators, the fraud was primarily coordinated from Meerut and Ghaziabad. The alleged kingpin, Dilshad Malik, is believed to have overseen the operation from offices linked to accounting and financial consultancy services in the region.

The other arrested individuals have been identified as Ramesh Patel, Ankur Tiwari, Swatantra Kumar Tiwari, Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Sohel, Javed Malik and Ikramuddin. STF officials said each member had a specific role, ranging from registering companies using forged documents to managing billing, generating e-way bills and filing GST returns.

All eight suspects were taken into custody following coordinated raids and interrogations by the STF’s Meerut unit.

Over 90 Shell Firms Uncovered

Search operations conducted at multiple locations led to the seizure of extensive evidence, including laptops, mobile phones, rubber stamps, cheque books, debit and credit cards, copies of Aadhaar and PAN cards, billing files, transport logbooks and large amounts of cash. Four vehicles allegedly used by the group were also confiscated.

Preliminary analysis of the seized documents suggests the existence of more than 90 shell companies created solely to facilitate fake transactions. Officials believe the network expanded steadily over time to increase the scale of fraudulent billing.

Fraud Spread Across Several States

While many shell firms were registered in districts such as Meerut, Ghaziabad, Hapur, Noida, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra and Varanasi, the STF said the racket had a nationwide footprint. Fake firms and linked transactions were traced to states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam and Delhi.

Investigators are also examining the role of an Agra-based entity, Sharma Enterprises, which is suspected of facilitating GST evasion amounting to nearly ₹137 crore on its own.

WhatsApp Orders and Paper Transactions

Officials said the syndicate relied heavily on messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to coordinate with genuine traders. Businesses allegedly shared their GST numbers and transaction details, after which the accused generated invoices and e-way bills in the names of shell firms and uploaded them to the GST portal.

To create an illusion of legitimate trade, bank transactions were shown on paper. In reality, authorities claim that settlements were largely done through cash adjustments or circular fund movements, with no actual movement of goods or services.

Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation

The case is linked to a First Information Report registered at Lohamandi police station in Agra. The accused have been booked under provisions of the Behavioural Non-Compliance and GST Fraud (BNS) Act, which covers offences involving fake invoicing, misrepresentation and fraudulent claims of ITC.

The STF has begun forensic analysis of electronic devices and financial records and is tracking complex bank trails associated with the shell companies. Officials said coordination with GST authorities and other enforcement agencies has been intensified to identify additional beneficiaries and dismantle the wider network.

“This appears to be a deep-rooted and well-planned operation,” an STF official said, adding that the scale of the fraud may grow as more data is examined.