Cybercrime Bust: Eight Nabbed in Bhayandar for Online Bank Loot
Thane police nab 8 in massive phone-hacking fraud scheme.
Bhayandar Police in Thane district have dismantled an interstate cybercrime gang responsible for hacking mobile phones to execute fraudulent online purchases worth lakhs. The operation, uncovered on October 8, 2025, led to the arrest of eight individuals, including the mastermind, Hardy alias Prince Kamlesh Sajnani, who was apprehended in Chhattisgarh on October 6.
The gang’s modus operandi involved sending phishing links through fake applications to unsuspecting victims, tricking them into revealing One-Time Passwords (OTPs) and sensitive bank details. Once compromised, the hackers activated features like call and SMS forwarding, UPI PIN grabbing, and Gmail access to gain control over victims’ accounts. Using these stolen credentials, they purchased high-end mobile phones on e-commerce platforms like Flipkart, later selling the devices to unsuspecting buyers for profit.
The investigation began last month when officers Sanjay Shipane and Ravindra Wagh intercepted Rinkukumar Shriramjilal Bairwa, a Rajasthan resident, under suspicious circumstances. Bairwa was found in possession of 11 premium mobile phones, valued at approximately ₹4.77 lakh, purchased through hacked bank accounts. Following a complaint from InstaKart Services Pvt Ltd, a case was registered, prompting a deeper probe.
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The trail led police to six other gang members across Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Navi Mumbai, and Bhiwandi. Their swift action culminated in the arrest of Sajnani, the ringleader, who orchestrated the sophisticated scam from Chhattisgarh. Authorities seized a staggering 107 high-end mobile phones from the gang, highlighting the scale of their illegal operations.
The bust has exposed the growing threat of cybercrime in India, where fraudsters exploit digital vulnerabilities to siphon off funds. Bhayandar Police’s relentless efforts have sent a strong message to cybercriminals, but the incident underscores the need for greater public awareness about phishing scams and online security.
As the investigation continues, police are working to identify additional victims and uncover the full extent of the gang’s activities. Authorities suspect the network may have targeted hundreds of individuals across multiple states, with the potential for more arrests as new leads emerge. The seized phones are being analyzed for evidence to strengthen the case against the accused.
This high-profile bust serves as a wake-up call for smartphone users to exercise caution when clicking on unknown links or downloading unverified apps. Bhayandar Police have urged citizens to secure their devices with strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and report suspicious activity immediately to prevent falling prey to such scams.
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