In a significant breakthrough, the Panvel Cyber Cell arrested two directors of a Tamil Nadu-based company involved in creating fake gaming websites and applications of well-known companies to defraud individuals. Senthur Pandian (30) and Tirupati Algar Swamy (35), both directors of the company, were arrested in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

The company was found to have created cloned websites of renowned companies, gaming platforms, and crypto wallets, which were exploited by cybercriminals to deceive unsuspecting victims in India and abroad. The investigation began after a cybercrime incident in March 2024, when 34-year-old Shashikumar from Ulwe was duped of ₹19.43 lakh by a gang promising him a job rating hotels online. A case was registered at the Nhavasheva police station, prompting the Panvel Cyber Cell to launch an investigation.

Through technical analysis, it was revealed that the fraudulent website used in the scam had been created by the Tamil Nadu-based company, which specialized in blockchain development. A search warrant was obtained, and the cyber police uncovered substantial evidence linking the company to the creation of fraudulent websites used for scams.

As the investigation progressed, the six directors of the company, fearing arrest, sought anticipatory bail from the Mumbai High Court. However, their bail application was rejected, prompting them to go into hiding. After a thorough and complex technical investigation, Panvel Cyber Police Inspector Deepali Patil and her team successfully apprehended Pandian and Swamy in Madurai.

The two accused were brought to Navi Mumbai on a three-day transit remand. During interrogation, they confessed that their company's fake websites and crypto wallets had been used by cybercriminals to defraud several individuals across India and abroad. The police are continuing to question the accused and are searching for the other absconding directors involved in this cybercrime operation.