Pune Police Bust Cyber Fraud Racket, Arrest Dubai Bank Employee & Film Producer
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In a major crackdown on a cybercrime racket with international links, Pimpri Chinchwad police have arrested eight people, including a Dubai-based bank employee. The group allegedly duped hundreds of victims in share trading frauds, funneling the stolen money to Chinese cybercriminals using cryptocurrency.
The arrests were made while investigating a case in which a businessman from Rahatani lost Rs 99 lakh in an online trading scam. The victim was manipulated into joining a WhatsApp group and installing a fake trading app promising up to 300% returns. When he couldn’t withdraw his “profits,” he realized the scam and reported it.
The investigation led to Mahadev Katke, a used car dealer from Navi Mumbai, who was operating mule accounts. Further questioning exposed the involvement of seven others across Mumbai and Pune.
The suspects include Masood Alam Siddique and Mohammad Afzal Salmani, both car dealers from Mumbai, and Tausaif Sayyed, a property broker. Pranav Dalvi, a software professional with a blockchain firm, handled money transfers to operatives in Hong Kong. Danish Sathi, the Dubai bank staffer, was the key link to Chinese cybercriminals.
The accused managed a network of mule bank accounts, often opened by relatives and acquaintances, who were paid commissions. The money was siphoned off from victims and channeled internationally via cryptocurrency.
The investigation was led by DCP Crime Sandeep Doiphone and ACP Vishal Hire, with a team including Inspector Ravikiran Nale and other officers.
This case has exposed a well-organized network with deep international connections, highlighting the growing nexus between local operatives and global cybercriminals.
