A major cyber extortion network targeting online buyers of fake stamina-enhancing medicines has been dismantled after a large-scale operation by the Gujarat Cyber Centre of Excellence. The interstate racket allegedly cheated thousands of people by posing as law enforcement officials and threatening victims with fake legal cases.
The cyber crime team carried out raids at 2 operational call centres in Ahmedabad’s Vastral area and stopped the setup of a 3rd facility in Bidhuna, Uttar Pradesh. A total of 7 people, including the alleged mastermind Dhirendra Pratap Singh Rajawat, aged 36, have been arrested for running the operation.
Investigators found that the accused promoted fake health products through advertisements on Facebook and Instagram under fabricated brand names such as Ashwani Ayurveda. Interested users submitted their details through online forms, after which the gang shipped parcels through postal and courier services.
Once a customer accepted the parcel, fraudsters allegedly called them pretending to be police officers or representatives from the District Superintendent’s office. Victims were falsely told they had purchased banned medicines, that an FIR had been registered against them, and that they would be arrested unless they paid money.
If customers refused delivery, the gang reportedly changed its approach by posing as doctors or legal advisors. They threatened victims with fake legal notices, claiming financial losses to the company, and demanded payments ranging from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 1 lakh to close the fabricated cases.
A forensic examination of seized digital devices revealed that the syndicate had allegedly targeted nearly 4,000–5,000 people across India. Financial investigations also uncovered 14 bank accounts linked to the accused, with fraudulent transactions exceeding Rs. 5 crore.
During the raids, authorities recovered 44 mobile phones, 23 computer systems, laptops, fake company stamps and sample medicine packaging. Following the crackdown, the cyber crime department has advised citizens to verify online healthcare sellers carefully and immediately report any suspected cyber extortion to the national cyber helpline.
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