Major Hawala Operator Arrested in Gujarat, Rs 710 Crore Scam Exposed, India

The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttarakhand Police has arrested a significant hawala operator involved in a cybercrime network and the supply of bank accounts and SIM cards in Dubai. The accused, Moradiya Hardik Kumar Bhagwan Bhai, was apprehended in Surat, Gujarat. The STF, led by SSP Ayush Agrawal, uncovered a total of 104 cases and 2,327 cybercrimes associated with the accused across the country. The operation also resulted in the seizure of crucial items, including debit cards, chequebooks, micro SIM cards, a Dubai Metro card, a Dubai SIM card, a passport, a card-swiping machine, and seals of three fake companies. According to Agrawal, the accused had planned to carry out cybercrime activities in Dubai but was arrested before being able to do so. His modus operandi involved creating fraudulent websites and posing as an employee of Flight Network. Through Telegram groups, he would entice individuals into tasks such as flight bookings, ultimately engaging in fraudulent activities to accumulate illicit profits. Further investigation revealed that the accused used fake SIM identity cards to commit crimes, taking advantage of various mobile handsets, SIM cards, and fake bank accounts. It was also discovered that he had traveled to Dubai and Thailand to supply cyber fraud kits containing SIM cards and bank accounts. The seized items, including documents and electronic devices, provided crucial evidence against the accused, uncovering a nationwide scam totaling approximately Rs 710 crore. The accused faces charges in multiple states, including Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bihar, Haryana, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and Andra Pradesh. The Uttarakhand Police continue their relentless efforts to ensure a safer digital environment and protect individuals from falling victim to such scams.