Gujarat’s ₹804-Crore Cyber Fraud: Rahul Agrawal Identified as Key Operator

Gujarat CID Exposes ₹804-Crore Cyber Fraud; Rahul Agrawal Identified as Master Financial Operator

Gandhinagar: In what is being described as Gujarat’s biggest-ever digital crime operation, the State Cyber Crime Cell–CID Crime has dismantled a syndicate responsible for siphoning off over ₹804 crore through sophisticated cyber fraud schemes. Investigators say the network operated across multiple states and used layered digital transactions, fake firms and shell accounts to obscure the movement of illicit funds.
At the centre of the entire operation stands Rahul Rajesh Kumar Agrawal of Devgadhbaria, identified as the syndicate’s “financial brain” for designing and executing the money-routing architecture.

CID Tracks Dubai-Based Links and Over 1,549 Linked Cyber Offences

The breakthrough followed months of coordinated intelligence efforts by the Cyber Centre of Excellence, which traced digital footprints pointing to handlers reportedly operating out of Dubai.
Preliminary investigation suggests the gang executed at least 1,549 frauds, including UPI scams, digital arrest frauds, investment traps and deposit rackets.
Officials say dozens of dummy firms and fake bank accounts across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi, Rajasthan and Telangana were used to circulate and launder the proceeds.

Each fake entity maintained accounts that mimicked legitimate business flows, though the underlying transactions were tied to phishing operations and fraudulent digital payments.

Six Arrested; Scrap Business Used as Laundering Channel

Six members of the syndicate—Kamlesh Ashok Sen, Sagar Ashok Sen, Sajid Firozbhai Khirani, Sohil Sadruddin Wadhwaniya, Amin Akbarbhai Bhayani and Rahul Agrawal—have been arrested.
Investigators revealed that Sajid, Sohil and Amin operated a scrap trading business that functioned as a primary laundering front. The network reportedly purchased over 200 scrap trucks and transacted more than ₹20 crore in cash to disguise the origins of scam-generated funds.

Meanwhile, Kamlesh and Sagar were responsible for setting up and managing more than 270 bank accounts, which served as transactional hubs for complex fund layering.

Rahul Agrawal’s Crucial Role: Architect of the Financial Flow

Investigators say Rahul Agrawal played the most critical role by acting first as a “payment processor” and eventually as the chief strategist who structured the fund-flow system.
He allegedly used a deep understanding of fintech systems, banking channels and digital payment ecosystems to design multi-stage fund routing via shell companies, hawala networks and angadia couriers.

Officials described him as the operator who transformed raw scam proceeds into seemingly legitimate revenue streams, ensuring the upper network remained insulated from exposure.

Multiple Criminal Cases Reveal Long-Standing Pattern

A background check shows Rahal Agrawal has a long history of criminal activity. Several cases involving online fraud, Arms Act violations, gas theft and even assault on a municipal officer in 2005 have been registered in Maharashtra and Dahod.
His previous arrests link him to organised financial crime groups, indicating deep-rooted involvement in illegal money systems over the years.

Political Controversy as Viral Photos Create Furore

The case took a political turn when photos showing Agrawal with a former Gujarat minister surfaced on social media.
Opposition leaders accused the government of shielding financial offenders and demanded an inquiry into possible political connections. The ruling party dismissed the allegations, reiterating that the investigation would proceed without interference.

Experts Warn of Fintech Misuse; Government Plans Systemic Overhaul

Cybersecurity specialists warn that fintech tools, UPI systems and banking APIs are increasingly being exploited by organised groups. They say the case highlights systemic vulnerabilities and the need for stronger real-time monitoring.
The Gujarat government has proposed the establishment of a Financial Tracking Unit (FTU) and plans to collaborate with international agencies to track offshore money trails linked to the scam.

Large-scale financial frauds underscore the importance of maintaining accurate records, structured documentation and transparent internal processes. Many organisations rely on professional bookkeeping services in India to ensure that every transaction is traceable, compliant and protected against irregularities.

Shunyatax Global continues to help businesses strengthen financial foundations and operate with clarity in an increasingly digital landscape.