Palghar Resident Arrested for 182 Cyber Fraud Cases Linked to Shell Companies
A 51-year-old resident of Palghar, Maharashtra, has been arrested for his involvement in at least 182 cyber fraud cases spread across India. Vijay Chaudhary, who used forged documents to set up shell companies, has been accused of money laundering through a complex network of fake accounts, ultimately defrauding numerous victims of substantial amounts.
The breakthrough came after a constable from the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) filed a complaint in September 2024, alleging that he had been scammed out of ₹17 lakh in an online investment fraud. The constable had joined a WhatsApp group of 108 members, where he was encouraged to follow tips for stock market investments. After receiving a link to an app, the constable invested his savings, only to later realise that he could not withdraw the funds. This led him to approach the cyber police, initiating an investigation that eventually led to Chaudhary’s arrest. The cyber police discovered that the funds from the constable’s investment had been routed through bank accounts in the name of a company called Sam Network Technology. The accounts were traced back to Vijay Chaudhary, who was found to be the operator of at least 10 bank accounts tied to a network of fraudulent activity. These accounts were linked to 182 different cyber fraud cases throughout the country. The accused, Chaudhary, had set up a series of shell companies and trusts using forged documents. These entities included Sam Network Technology Private Limited, Nakoda Gaushala, Sai Sakhi Enterprises, and Sam Realities. The bank accounts associated with these organisations were used to funnel illicit money from victims across the nation.
A particularly striking revelation during the investigation was that one of the accounts, tied to Nakoda Gaushala, was involved in a staggering 93 fraud cases across multiple states, including Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. This highlights the extensive reach of Chaudhary’s fraudulent operations. Chaudhary had a system in place for laundering the defrauded money. Once the cyber criminals, often operating from overseas, directed their victims to deposit funds into Chaudhary’s accounts, he would receive a commission of up to 3%. Chaudhary himself received a 2% cut, while his female accomplice, a close associate, would take the remaining 1%. In this way, Chaudhary facilitated a vast money-laundering operation, benefiting from the fraudulent activities of others.
Chaudhary, who previously worked as a transporter and driver, had fallen on hard times after defaulting on his vehicle loan EMIs, which eventually led to the bank seizing his vehicle. This financial hardship seemed to have driven Chaudhary into the world of cyber crime. As his personal circumstances worsened, he began providing bank accounts to fraudsters in exchange for commission, starting a chain of events that would lead to hundreds of victims across the country. The investigation reveals the extent of the growing cyber fraud problem in India, where criminals use sophisticated tactics to exploit vulnerable individuals. The fact that Chaudhary was linked to so many fraud cases indicates the scale of his operation and the vulnerability of many people who fall victim to such online scams. The cyber police department’s swift action to apprehend Chaudhary has been hailed as a significant step in tackling the rising menace of online fraud.
For the victims of these cyber frauds, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and cautious when making online investments. As the internet continues to facilitate more transactions, scammers are becoming increasingly adept at exploiting unsuspecting individuals, as demonstrated by this elaborate scheme. Vijay Chaudhary’s arrest is a major victory for cyber crime investigators, who have been working tirelessly to dismantle such complex fraud networks. This case underscores the need for continued vigilance, not only by law enforcement agencies but also by the public, to ensure that individuals are aware of the risks involved in online financial transactions. As the investigation continues, it is likely that more details will emerge about the extent of Chaudhary’s network, and further arrests could follow. With increasing awareness and improved security measures, it is hoped that such scams will become more difficult to execute, offering some protection to potential victims in the future.