Goa: Man nabbed in Calangute for trading sensitive data via cryptocurrency

Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jun 6: In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, Goa Police arrested a 42-year-old man for allegedly attempting to trade sensitive data online using cryptocurrency transactions to mask his activities. The accused, Vishal Gohil, hailing from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, was apprehended in the beach town of Calangute on Wednesday.

The arrest was made during a swift operation led by PSI Sarvesh Sawant under the guidance of Police Inspector Deepak Pednekar, ASP Akshat Ayush, and SP Rahul Gupta. A case has been registered based on a complaint filed by PSI Navin Naik under Section 66 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

According to police sources, preliminary investigations have revealed that Gohil was actively trying to procure and sell confidential data through encrypted digital platforms. He was reportedly receiving payments in cryptocurrency to avoid detection and obscure financial trails.

Superintendent of Police (Cyber Crime), Rahul Gupta, confirmed that the accused is currently in custody. Investigations are ongoing to determine the scale of the data breach, track cryptocurrency transactions, and identify possible collaborators or digital platforms involved.

The Goa Cyber Crime Cell has appealed to the public to report suspicious online behaviour or data misuse by contacting the Ribandar Cyber Crime Police Station or dialing the dedicated helpline number 1930.

SP Rahul Gupta also highlighted that Goa has secured the top spot nationally for citizen-led cybercrime reporting, as per a recent Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation survey. He credited this achievement to the state’s proactive awareness campaigns, youth participation, and tech-driven policing.

Under the ‘Cyber Yoddha’ initiative, 150 trained volunteers have been working closely with law enforcement to spread cyber safety awareness. Last year alone, over one lakh individuals were sensitised through targeted drives across schools, colleges, panchayats, urban wards, and professional networks, covering threats like phishing, sextortion, AI scams, OTP frauds, and fake investment traps.