ED Files PMLA Case in Rs.104 Crore Cyber Fraud, Five Accused Named in Surat Probe

Surat | Gujarat — In one of the most disturbing cybercrime cases uncovered in Gujarat, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Surat Sub-Zonal Office, has filed a prosecution complaint before the Special PMLA Court in Ahmedabad against five accused for allegedly laundering over ₹104 crore by cheating unsuspecting citizens across India through elaborate cyber frauds.

The prosecution complaint, filed on November 27, 2025, names Makbul Abdul Rehman Doctor, Kaashif Makbul Doctor, Mahesh Mafatlal Desai, Om Rajendra Pandya, and Mitesh Gokulbhai Thakkar under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. According to the ED, the accused generated proceeds of crime amounting to ₹104.15 crore by exploiting fear, authority and digital deception.

The investigation was initiated following a probe by the Special Operation Group (SOG) of Surat Police against Makbul Doctor, his sons Kaashif and Bassam Doctor, and their associates.

Fake Police Stations, Forged Supreme Court Notices

ED officials revealed a chilling modus operandi that involved impersonation of law enforcement agencies, digital extortion and psychological intimidation. The accused allegedly targeted victims by offering fake forex and stock market investment tips or accusing them of financial crimes through “digital arrests.”

To execute these scams, the accused allegedly created fake police stations, complete with individuals dressed as police officers who conducted video calls to intimidate victims. Victims were sent forged notices in the names of agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, CBI, TRAI, and even the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.

“To make the fraud appear genuine, the accused issued fake challans as proof of penalties paid by victims,” an ED official stated, adding that the documents were designed to closely resemble official government formats.

Complex Money Laundering Trail

Once extorted, the money was funneled through bank accounts opened using KYC documents of relatives, acquaintances and hired persons. The accused allegedly used fraudulently obtained pre-activated SIM cards to operate these accounts and layer transactions to avoid detection.

Investigators found that large sums were withdrawn in cash to break audit trails and then routed through hawala operators. The funds were ultimately converted into cryptocurrency and USDT, using crypto wallets that do not require KYC verification.

ED officials suspect that Bassam Doctor, son of Makbul Doctor, who is currently absconding and believed to be residing in Arab countries, is the ultimate beneficiary of the proceeds of crime. “He is suspected to have received laundered funds through crypto wallets beyond regulatory reach,” the ED said.

Arrests, Property Attachment and Ongoing Probe

In October 2025, the ED arrested four accused—Makbul Abdul Rehman Doctor, Kaashif Makbul Doctor, Mahesh Mafatlal Desai and Om Rajendra Pandya. Additionally, three immovable properties worth ₹2.13 crore were provisionally attached on November 17, 2025.

Bank analysis further revealed that crores of rupees were spent on e-commerce platforms and online transactions to fund a lavish lifestyle, strengthening the case for money laundering.

The ED has confirmed that further investigation is underway, particularly to trace overseas crypto assets and bring the absconding accused to justice.

“This case highlights how cybercrime has evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem combining impersonation, financial fraud and cryptocurrency laundering,” an official said. “We urge citizens to remain vigilant and verify all digital communications claiming to be from law enforcement agencies.”