Surat: In a major action against cybercrime, the city police have booked a gang under the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act (GujCTOC). The gang allegedly laundered ₹197 crore from widespread cyber fraud through 1,029 bank accounts connected to 214 FIRs registered across India.

The gang, led by Milan Darji and involving 46 members, is accused of routing and laundering money obtained from global cyber frauds, many of which were orchestrated by Chinese syndicates. Darji is said to have managed the operation from Dubai. So far, 11 members of the gang have been arrested by Surat police.

“This is likely the first cybercrime case where GujCTOC has been applied. Given the magnitude of the fraud and the number of people involved, using this law was essential,” said Bhavesh Roziya, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), while speaking to the media. He added that GujCTOC provisions make it more difficult for the accused to secure bail and continue their illegal activities.

The case originated in October 2024, with Milan Darji identified as the main accused. Investigations revealed the involvement of 46 individuals, ₹197 crore in transactions, and links to over 1,000 bank accounts. These accounts were flagged in 1,867 cybercrime complaints and 214 FIRs on the NCCRP portal.

The 11 arrested individuals include Ajay Italiya, Jalpesh Nadiyadara, Vishal Thummar, Hiren Barwaliya, Brijesh Italiya, Ketan Vekariya, Nanjibhai Baraiya, Heet Jasani, Chandresh Kakadiya, Dashrath Dhandhaliya, and Anil Kheni. Darji and 35 others remain absconding. The gang reportedly used Indian bank branches in Dubai to withdraw cash and convert the funds into USDT cryptocurrency, which was then sent to Chinese operatives. DeshGujarat