The Gujarat CID Crime’s Cyber Centre of Excellence has apprehended a 13th suspect in an investigation involving cryptocurrency-based terror financing, dark web-linked drug trafficking, and cross-border financial transactions exceeding Rs 226 crore. Superintendent of Police Rajdeepsinh Jhala revealed that the arrested individual, Shabbarhusen Padele, aged 35 and residing in Sarkhej, Ahmedabad, played a role in converting “dirty crypto” into USDT and cash within a broader network associated with terror financing channels. The investigation identified Mohammad Zubair Poptiya in Dubai as a key figure in the network, with funds allegedly flowing through cryptocurrency wallets operated in coordination with other accused persons.
Further probing led to the discovery of wallets used to convert crypto assets suspected of being linked to the wider network, including the use of Monero and Binance-linked wallets. The structured system involved individuals like Mohsin Molani and Salman Ansari, who were allegedly facilitating drug-related transactions to the United Kingdom. Molani was responsible for receiving drug orders from UK customers through dark web platforms, while Ansari and associates distributed narcotics within the UK using postal services. Shabbar also operated an Instagram account to communicate with UK-based drug customers and coordinated courier-based drug consignments to UK associates.
Payments within the network were channeled through cryptocurrency after drug transactions were completed, with Shabbar facilitating communication with buyers and participating in the financial conversion chain. The investigation revealed a compartmentalized structure where different individuals handled ordering, coordination, and delivery separately. Authorities confirmed that Shabbar owns a courier company in Ahmedabad, with his international consignment activities under scrutiny, although no direct evidence linking the courier business to drug shipments has been found yet.
The accused was traced during the investigation after attempting to evade arrest by moving between Hyderabad and Goa before being apprehended in Goa. The financial scope of the case is still being reviewed and may surpass Rs 226 crore as additional cryptocurrency wallets and transactions are examined. A mobile phone was seized from the arrested individual, and the case has been registered under relevant sections of the law.
