July 15, 2025 – Baku, Azerbaijan
A man accused of orchestrating large-scale financial fraud using stolen personal data has been arrested in Azerbaijan, following a coordinated cybercrime investigation, the Interior Ministry announced on Monday.
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Eldaniz Ghulamov, allegedly led an organized group that used digital tools and social media platforms to defraud hundreds of citizens by impersonating financial institutions and government agencies.
According to investigators, the group operated under a carefully crafted plan. They reportedly obtained personal documents such as ID cards, passports, and bank cards from unsuspecting victims through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The stolen data was then processed and stored in so-called “cyber-bunkers,” where it was used to clone bank cards and commit further fraud.
In several instances, the fraudsters allegedly posed as bank employees, using real photos of Azerbaijani financial officials to create fake profiles. They conducted video calls with victims under the pretense of verifying accounts, only to exploit the footage and biometric data for illicit financial operations.
The group also claimed to represent pawnshops, charity organizations, and government institutions to gain victims’ trust.
Preliminary estimates suggest the scam caused financial losses exceeding 300,000 manats (approximately $176,000 USD).
The Interior Ministry noted that investigations are ongoing and more arrests are expected as the cyber fraud network is dismantled.
