Assam man with China links held for Rs 1,071 crore cyber fraud across 1,090 cases

The Gujarat CID has arrested a 25-year-old man from Assam who was allegedly the mastermind behind a massive cyber fraud network linked to China-based criminals. According to police, the accused was involved in 1,090 cybercrimes across India, including digital arrest cases, amounting to a staggering Rs 1,071.5 crore. Investigators stated that he directed the movement of illicit funds into nearly 1,758 bank accounts nationwide and converted large sums into cryptocurrencies to funnel them abroad.

Authorities tracked down the suspect through technical analysis and victims' statements. A specialized team from the Gandhinagar-based Cyber Centre of Excellence travelled to Barpeta, Assam, where they conducted a three-day surveillance operation in disguise before arresting the accused and seizing his technical gadgets. Police reported that the gang operated using global messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to coordinate with handlers based in China.

The investigation also shed light on specific extortion tactics, such as the digital arrest of senior citizens. In one instance in Ahmedabad, an elderly resident was threatened with false child pornography charges, while in Surat, another senior citizen was targeted with fake Enforcement Directorate threats, leading him to sell his shop to pay the scammers. Following these leads, authorities successfully counselled and prevented ten potential victims across multiple states from losing money.

Not yet reported: The reports do not specify the exact judicial charges filed in court or the identities of the China-based handlers.