According to investigators, the accused orchestrated a highly complex scheme by acquiring sensitive personal data of victims and using artificial intelligence platforms, including Gemini AI and Meta AI, to create high-quality deepfake videos. These videos featured realistic eye-blink animations designed to deceive liveness detection systems. The fraudulent visuals were projected onto screens during official verification processes, enabling the group to manipulate authentication protocols and gain unauthorized access to update mobile numbers linked to victims’ Aadhaar profiles through Common Service Center kits.
Once the mobile numbers were altered, the syndicate gained direct control over one-time passwords, allowing them to infiltrate critical digital platforms such as DigiLocker and multiple banking services. Leveraging this access, the accused opened fraudulent bank accounts in institutions including IDFC, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Jio Payments Bank.
The investigation further revealed that the group systematically applied for personal loans through various lending platforms, including RKBansal, True Credits, and EarlySalary. These fraudulent transactions resulted in substantial financial liabilities being imposed on unsuspecting victims, effectively trapping them in debt without their knowledge.
The accused have been identified as Kanubhai Parmar, Ashish Valand, Mohammad Kaif Patel, and Deep Gupta. Authorities stated that the individuals come from diverse educational backgrounds, ranging from completion of Grade 12 to qualifications in Business Administration and Information Technology diplomas. All four are currently in judicial custody, while police continue to search for additional accomplices believed to be part of the wider network.
In response to the incident, the Ahmedabad Police have launched a dedicated Aadhaar security awareness campaign to educate citizens about preventive measures against such cyber threats. Officials have urged the public to secure their biometric data by locking it through the mAadhaar application or the official UIDAI platform, thereby preventing unauthorized use of fingerprint, iris, or facial authentication.
Authorities have also advised citizens to use masked Aadhaar copies that display only the last four digits, refrain from sharing one-time passwords with any individual claiming to be an official, and avoid clicking on unverified links related to Know Your Customer updates or Aadhaar status inquiries.
This case highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminal operations leveraging artificial intelligence and underscores the urgent need for heightened digital vigilance, stronger security protocols, and widespread public awareness to safeguard personal identity in an increasingly interconnected financial ecosystem.
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