According to officials, the cybercrime operation had been active since 2022. During the investigation, police recovered credentials linked to 513,847 Gmail accounts, revealing the massive scale of the network. Investigators say the fake accounts were allegedly used to spread fear, disrupt public services, and trigger large-scale security responses through hoax bomb threats.
New Delhi, September 15:
In a major breakthrough, Gujarat Police have uncovered what investigators describe as one of the largest cybercrime networks ever detected in India. The network allegedly created and operated more than 5.13 lakh fake Gmail accounts that were used to send bomb threat emails to government offices, institutions, and other organizations across the country. Two suspects have been arrested and a wider investigation is underway.
The case gained national attention after a bomb threat email was reportedly sent to the Gujarat government on September 10, just days before the BRICS Summit held in New Delhi. The email also reportedly mentioned countries cooperating with India during the summit, prompting immediate security concerns and a high-level investigation. Authorities later determined that the threats were false.
Police officials stated that one of the most surprising findings was that many of the fraudulent accounts reportedly used two-factor authentication, a security feature normally designed to enhance account protection. Investigators are now examining how such a large number of fake accounts were created and maintained despite existing safeguards.
The investigation has also revealed possible international links. Authorities suspect that batches of fake Gmail accounts may have been sold to buyers outside India, including contacts in Bangladesh, with some payments allegedly made through cryptocurrency. Investigators are working to determine the full extent of the network and identify additional individuals involved.
In response to the discovery, Gujarat Police plan to formally approach Google and seek explanations regarding account creation safeguards. Officials have indicated that they want stronger mechanisms to prevent the mass creation and misuse of fake email accounts in the future. Google has not publicly commented on the matter so far.
Security experts say the case highlights the growing threat of cybercrime in India. Even when bomb threats are fake, authorities must treat every warning as genuine, leading to evacuations, deployment of bomb squads, increased security checks, disruption of public services, and significant expenditure of public resources. Recent bomb threat emails sent to schools and public institutions have demonstrated how such hoaxes can create panic among citizens.
The case is expected to trigger broader discussions on cybersecurity, digital identity verification, and the responsibilities of technology platforms in preventing misuse. As investigations continue, law enforcement agencies are analyzing digital evidence and tracing possible links to other cybercrime activities across the country.
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