1 hr ago
Developer Arrested in Alleged Nationwide APK Cyber Fraud
Police in Mumbai arrested a 36-year-old software developer in Madhya Pradesh.
They say he made and sold fake or harmful Android app files.
The files were allegedly used by cybercrime groups to steal money and information.
Police say 9,673 people across India were cheated of more than Rs 15.75 crore.
The investigation began after a 72-year-old person in Mumbai lost Rs 5.62 lakh.
The victim was reportedly tricked into installing an app sent through WhatsApp.
The app was presented as a way to get a senior citizen card.
Police say they connected the apps to reports across the country and seized electronic equipment from the developer’s office.
Mumbai Crime Branch arrested a 36-year-old software developer in Madhya Pradesh over an alleged interstate cybercrime operation.
Police say he created and sold 2,805 malicious APK files to cybercrime gangs.
Investigators allege the files were used to defraud 9,673 people across India of more than Rs 15.75 crore.
The investigation began after a 72-year-old Mumbai resident reportedly lost Rs 5.62 lakh on August 13.
Police linked the apps to 1,074 complaints on the national cyber helpline; 88 formal FIRs had been registered nationwide.
- Who
- A 36-year-old software developer arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch; police say cybercrime gangs used the files he allegedly supplied.
- What
- An alleged nationwide cyber fraud involving malicious APK files and losses exceeding Rs 15.75 crore.
- Where
- The arrest was made in Madhya Pradesh; alleged victims were across India, including Mumbai.
- When
- The report was datelined October 5; the victim's reported loss occurred on August 13. No year is specified.
- Why
- Police investigated after a 72-year-old Mumbai resident complained of being defrauded.
Key facts
- Alleged total losses
- More than Rs 15.75 crore
- People allegedly defrauded
- 9,673 nationwide
- Malicious APK files
- 2,805, according to investigators
- Victim's reported loss
- Rs 5.62 lakh
- Cyber helpline complaints linked to the apps
- 1,074 nationwide, including 143 in Maharashtra and 36 in Mumbai
- Formal FIRs registered
- 88 across India at the time of the report
- Seized items
- A CPU, three hard disks, a pen drive, a Wi-Fi router and three mobile phones
Sources
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