The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch has dismantled a sophisticated inter-state fraud network, arresting two men from Assam’s Morigaon district for allegedly using AI-generated deepfakes to bypass biometric security systems.
The suspects, identified as Kazimuddin (49) and Rabbul Hussain (24), were apprehended for their roles in a high-tech scam that manipulated Aadhaar authentication. A third accomplice from Assam, Oli Ullah, is currently on the run. These arrests bring the total number of individuals detained in this investigation to seven.
According to investigators, the gang utilized a multi-step process to hijack the identities of high-net-worth individuals:
- Data Sourcing: The group collected GST numbers and PAN card details from online platforms to identify wealthy targets.
- Deepfake Creation: Using photos harvested from social media and digital payment apps (such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and PhonePe), the suspects used AI to create “eye-blinking” videos. These videos were designed to mimic live human movement, successfully tricking Aadhaar-based biometric verification systems.
- System Exploitation: By exploiting vulnerabilities in Common Service Centres (CSC), the gang managed to update the victims’ registered mobile numbers to SIM cards under their control.
Once the suspects gained control of a victim’s Aadhaar-linked mobile number, they accessed DigiLocker accounts and banking platforms. This allowed them to:
- Apply for instant personal loans.
- Open new bank accounts to launder the stolen funds.
- Route money through various channels to evade detection.
The Cyber Crime Branch estimates that the racket generated between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 15 lakh annually.
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