Delhi Police Crack Down on APK-Based Cyber Fraud Network, Arrest Three in Ahmedabad

The Cyber Police Station in South Delhi has dismantled an alleged APK-based cyber fraud network and arrested three people from Ahmedabad, Delhi Police said on Monday. Officers also recovered 11 credit cards and three mobile phones during the operation. The arrested individuals were identified as Mohd Ismail Ansari, Shaikh Mohammed Nuren and Tarique Ahmad, all residents of Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The investigation began after a man approached police alleging that he had lost ₹6.57 lakh after clicking on a link received through an SMS. Following his complaint, an e-FIR was registered at the South District Cyber Police Station under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). As part of the probe, investigators examined banking transactions, the movement of funds and technical evidence. Police traced approximately ₹4 lakh of the alleged fraud proceeds through two transactions involving two credit cards reportedly connected to the accused.

According to investigators, the suspects allegedly supplied several credit cards to cybercriminals to transfer and withdraw fraudulent funds through legitimate banking channels. They were allegedly paid commissions for facilitating these transactions. Police further found that the accused were reportedly in contact with other members of the network through WhatsApp and Telegram groups. Technical analysis also indicated that some WhatsApp numbers associated with the alleged syndicate were linked to the United States.

Investigators said the network allegedly relied on APK-based fraud, in which victims were persuaded to download and install malicious Android application packages sent through deceptive messages. Such applications can potentially give fraudsters unauthorised access to a victim’s device and sensitive banking information.

Police said Ansari, who was working as a contractual employee with IDBI Bank, allegedly arranged multiple credit cards that were used to channel proceeds from cyber fraud. Nuren and Ahmad were also allegedly involved in arranging or supplying credit cards in exchange for commissions. The police are continuing to investigate the alleged involvement of other individuals, including the suspected US-based handlers, and are working to determine the wider structure of the alleged international cyber fraud network.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.