Nagpur Police Bust ₹21 Crore Cyber Fraud Network Spanning 21 States

The Nagpur Police has uncovered a massive cybercrime syndicate that scammed job seekers and investors across 21 states in India. The gang, which used fake business offers and online investment schemes, reportedly laundered more than ₹21 crore through digital money-muling, online betting, and hawala channels.

So far, 23 suspects have been arrested, while five remain absconding. Police say the network had international links, with suspected masterminds operating from China and Cambodia.

How the Cyber Fraud Began

The case started with a complaint by Deepak Gaidhane (28) from Gondia. He was introduced to Sumit Patle, a man from Nagpur who offered him a partnership in a so-called machinery tools business. To proceed, Gaidhane submitted his Aadhaar and PAN cards for company registration.

Unknown to him, the gang registered a fake firm named “Deepak Enterprises” and opened a current account in his name at a local bank. Between October 13 and 27, 2025, transactions worth ₹1.73 crore were routed through this account without his consent.

The investigation later revealed that over 80 mule bank accounts were used to move money across the country before it was converted to dollars and sent abroad via hawala networks.

Chinese Apps and Encrypted Channels Used in the Scam

According to Police Commissioner Ravinder Singhal, the syndicate used malicious Chinese apps and encrypted communication channels to execute their crimes.

Fraudsters attracted victims through fake job and investment advertisements and then sent them APK files embedded with Chinese code. Once installed, these apps stole users’ bank credentials, OTPs, and personal data.

The funds were routed through illegal trading and betting apps such as RPMTA and AFMHNW, while communication among gang members took place through Telegram and WhatsApp using coded messages.

“The masterminds are operating from China and Cambodia. We are working with central agencies to trace the international money trail,” said Commissioner Singhal.

Pan-India Network: 174 Complaints and Multiple FIRs

Data from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCCRP) revealed 174 complaints linked to this network, with 25 cases reported from Maharashtra alone — including Mumbai, Thane, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Navi Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.

Police have filed seven FIRs so far, including:

• 2 in Mumbai
• 2 in Navi Mumbai
• 2 in Nagpur
• 1 in Thane

During multiple raids, police seized a large volume of fake documents and digital evidence, including:

• 8 shop and establishment registration certificates
• 9 fake rental agreements
• 61 cheque books
• 50 SIM cards
• 38 mobile phones
• 14 forged rubber stamps and banners

Authorities also froze ₹53 lakh in various bank accounts, seized a BMW car, and confiscated assets worth ₹17.47 lakh.

A Web of Deception and Technology Misuse

Commissioner Singhal described the operation as “a sophisticated blend of trust manipulation and technology misuse.”

Fraudsters targeted unemployed youth by offering business deals, then used their documents to create shell firms and launder crores through mule accounts.

“Freezing these accounts and arresting the operators has crippled a major part of their network,” Singhal added.

Citizens are advised not to share personal or financial documents with unverified individuals or companies and to check the authenticity of online job or business offers before engaging.

Larger Links to Global Cybercrime Rings

Investigators suspect the operation may be part of a larger Southeast Asian cyber-laundering network. Authorities are now tracing five absconding members believed to be in contact with foreign handlers.

This case highlights the growing complexity of digital financial crimes and the urgent need for public awareness, cyber hygiene, and strict regulatory oversight in India’s digital economy.