Mumbai Cyber Fraud: 57-Year-Old Bengaluru Man Arrested For Running Fake HSRP Website, Scamming Vehicle Owners Across State

Mumbai: The South Regional Cyber Cell of the Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested a 57-year-old man from Bengaluru for running a fake website offering registration for high-security vehicle number plates (HSRP). The accused, identified as Vinod Vyankat Bavale, was operating a fraudulent portal from Karnataka, luring vehicle owners across Maharashtra.

DCP Dattatray Nalawade of the Cyber Cell stated that the accused was charging Rs 400 for two-wheelers, Rs 700 for four-wheelers, and Rs 1,500 for trucks under the pretense of issuing government-approved high-security registration plates. Bavale is believed to have issued plates to over 40 vehicle owners across Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra.

The scam came to light following a complaint lodged on May 2, 2024, by Assistant Transport Commissioner Gajanan Nana Thombre. He raised concerns over the misuse of high-security number plates — crucial for national security, vehicle identification, and prevention of tampering and forgery.

During the investigation, cyber officers analyzed the fake website — https://indnumberplate.com — and traced its origins to Bengaluru. A team was dispatched, and Bavale was taken into custody. According to Senior Inspector Nandkumar Gopale, the accused collected user data through the fake website and procured number plates through legitimate government sources, misleading applicants into believing the process was official.

Investigators revealed that Bavale previously ran a printing press, which shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting him to start the illicit business. The Cyber Cell is now on the lookout for additional suspects believed to be involved in the racket.