The Gujarat Police’s Cyber Centre of Excellence apprehended seven individuals for running a cross-state online scam aimed at consumers who bought sexual enhancement drugs through social media ads. The group, suspected of duping 4,000 to 5,000 people nationwide, operated from a call center in Ahmedabad and thwarted another setup in Uttar Pradesh.
Authorities initiated the probe following intel on ads promoting sexual enhancement products on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The fraudsters dispatched the medicines via postal services, collecting payments upon delivery. Subsequently, they posed as law enforcement, alleging the drugs were illicit and coerced victims into paying up to evade arrest.
The arrested suspects, including the alleged ringleader Dhirendra Rajawat, orchestrated the scheme by impersonating police officials and doctors to intimidate customers. The investigation revealed financial transactions exceeding Rs 5 crore across 14 bank accounts linked to the accused, with six complaints lodged on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
During the raids, law enforcement seized various items, such as mobile phones, computers, and rubber stamps bearing the names of different enterprises. The Cyber Centre of Excellence cautioned the public to verify the legitimacy of health products online, consult professionals before purchasing medications, and refrain from sharing sensitive banking details with unknown sources.
