The Surat Cyber Cell’s recent operation has brought to light a sophisticated international cyber fraud network, culminating in the arrest of siblings Shraddha Gajbhie and Neelkanth Gajbhie. The case, involving a ₹69.8 lakh scam targeting a Surat-based engineer, exemplifies the growing threat of cross-border cybercrime with direct links to Cambodia and China.
Background and Timeline:
The investigation began when a Surat engineer was lured via Facebook by a woman posing as Sheela Shetty, purportedly an import-export businessperson. The victim was enticed to invest in a fake gold-mining scheme, initially transferring ₹20 lakh. When he sought to withdraw his investment, the scammers demanded an additional ₹41 lakh under the pretense of taxes and margin money, bringing the total loss to ₹69.8 lakh. The scam unfolded over several months in 2025, with the final arrests made in early January 2026.
Modus Operandi:
The operation was orchestrated by a Chinese-led cyber mafia, leveraging AI-driven fake investment schemes and digital scams. Shraddha Gajbhie, a highly educated woman with a background in music and Chinese language proficiency, was recruited as a “recharge agent” while working in Cambodia. She and her brother recharged 430 SIM cards in just two days, which were then used for fraudulent calls across India. Payments for these services were routed through Neelkanth’s bank account, with commissions paid for their role in the scam. The siblings’ company, Essence, based in Nagpur, was used as a front to launder the proceeds.
Victims and Financial Impact:
The primary victim lost ₹69.8 lakh, but the investigation revealed that the SIM cards recharged by the duo were linked to at least 34 other fraud complaints nationwide. The scale of the operation suggests that the actual number of victims and the total financial impact could be significantly higher, potentially running into crores of rupees.
Investigation and Agencies Involved:
The Surat Cyber Cell led the investigation, conducting raids in Hyderabad and Nagpur to apprehend the accused. Evidence seized included mobile phones, banking records, and documentation linking the siblings to the broader network. The operation also involved coordination with other state cybercrime units, given the pan-India footprint of the SIM cards involved.
Arrests and Suspects:
Shraddha and Neelkanth Gajbhie were arrested and placed on a four-day police remand. During interrogation, Shraddha admitted to recharging SIM cards under the instructions of a Chinese handler named Licham, though police suspect deeper involvement. The investigation is ongoing to determine whether the siblings were part of a larger syndicate or if their company served as a money-laundering front.
Broader Implications and Trends:
This case underscores the increasing sophistication of cross-border cybercrime operations, the exploitation of educated individuals as intermediaries, and the use of social engineering via social media. The direct links to Cambodia and China highlight the international dimensions of such scams, raising concerns about internal security and the need for enhanced inter-agency and international cooperation. The use of bulk SIM cards for fraud also points to vulnerabilities in telecom KYC processes, a recurring theme in recent cybercrime cases.