An Ahmedabad cybercrime investigation that began with a ₹1.5 crore ‘Boss Scam’ has expanded into a suspected international cybercrime network involving thousands of SIM cards, malware and overseas connections.
The case started in June after an employee was allegedly tricked into transferring ₹1.5 crore to fraudsters posing as a senior executive or ‘boss’. Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Police recovered ₹1.3 crore and returned the money to the victim.
During the investigation, police arrested Imran Ali Pyaada from West Bengal’s 24 Parganas and Injamul Mujibar Molla from Kolkata. Investigators recovered 8 electronic devices, including 1 device capable of operating 4 SIM cards simultaneously.
Questioning allegedly revealed that the accused had procured around 4,500 SIM cards for cybercrime operations.
Suspected China and Pakistan links
Police also found that the network was using malware developed in China and operated from Hong Kong. Investigators traced a call centre linked to the operation to Islamabad, while the suspected proceeds were routed through multiple countries to hide the money trail.
The international links have prompted the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime team to expand its investigation in coordination with the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C).
251 complaints linked to accused numbers
The scale of the alleged operation became clearer after investigators found 251 complaints on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal against mobile numbers connected to the accused.
According to Ahmedabad Police, the investigation has uncovered a suspected ‘Cybercrime-as-a-Service’ network that provided ready-made services to overseas cybercriminals.
The network allegedly used WhatsApp groups to offer services such as OTP-related assistance, allowing other criminals to conduct fraudulent transactions without managing every stage themselves.
The investigation has also identified cyber infrastructure connections to Pakistan and China, highlighting the suspected international and organised nature of the operation.
What began as a single ₹1.5 crore ‘Boss Scam’ has now led to a wider probe involving SIM cards, malware, call centres, OTP services and international money movement.
Ahmedabad Police and I4C have advised citizens to remain cautious of calls and messages from people claiming to be senior officials or bosses. People should independently verify any demand for money or suspicious transaction before transferring funds, especially when requests come through unfamiliar numbers or digital platforms.
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