The Top Ten cyber crime news summaries on The420 are meticulously curated by Future Crime Researchers from the Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF) and powered by Algoritha Security Pvt. Ltd. These summaries feature the most critical cyber crime developments from around the world. Keep reading and stay safe.
1. Fraud Alert: SCAMERS Posing As ECI Officials Urge Users Not To Share OTPs
Cyber crooks are impersonating Election Commission of India officials, claiming that outstanding fines or polling-related charges need to be cleared via OTP-based verification. The scam warns people not to install random APKs or share OTPs. Authorities and security experts urge strong caution, especially around message links claiming to be ECI-related.
2. Four Arrested In Delhi For Providing Mule Accounts To Cybercrime Networks
Four individuals have been apprehended in Delhi for supplying “mule accounts” used to launder money from cyber fraud operations. These bank accounts were allegedly rented out to fraudsters, who used them to camouflage the origin of illegally siphoned funds. Police say cracking these mule networks is key to dismantling larger scam syndicates.
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3. Scammers Use Nirmala Sitharaman’s Photo To Trick Retired Doctor Into Crores-Loss
Fraudsters impersonated Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in WhatsApp messages, claiming to offer investment opportunities. A retired doctor fell for the ruse and lost several crores after transferring funds to accounts controlled by the impersonators. The incident underscores the increasing use of public-figure images in investment-related impersonation scams.
4. Gujarat Records 30% Spike In Cybercrime As Scammers Stay Ahead Of Authorities
Cybercrime complaints in Gujarat have surged by about 30%, with fraudsters using new tactics that constantly change to evade detection. Officials report a rise in identity theft, fake apps, and phishing campaigns. Police warn citizens to stay alert, verify digital requests and avoid installing suspicious software.
5. Experts Call For Tougher AML Laws As Crypto Scams Fuel Financial Crime
Financial crime analysts are pushing for stricter asset-recovery laws and tighter anti-money-laundering (AML) regulations, particularly for cryptocurrency fraud. They argue that current enforcement frameworks are inadequate for dealing with the scale of digital asset misuse, calling for global cooperation and stronger legal tools.
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6. China-Linked APT31 Group Launches Stealthy Malware Campaign Against Telecom
A malware campaign linked to the APT31 threat group (believed to be state-affiliated) is targeting telecom networks using highly tailored spyware. The malware is designed to evade detection, compromising mobile telecom infrastructure and siphoning off call data records, weakening telecom security globally.
7. Government Department Resists Crackdown On Online Fraud Protections
A government department is pushing back against proposed legislation aimed at strengthening the fight against online fraud. Critics say the reforms would significantly expand oversight and data access, potentially impinging on privacy. The clash reflects deeper tensions between fraud prevention and civil liberties.
8. Home Routers Hijacked In Chinese Spy Campaign, Cyber Experts Warn
Researchers have uncovered a campaign in which home routers are being hijacked by proxy malware, turning them into espionage nodes. The campaign, allegedly linked to a Chinese state-backed group, uses router vulnerabilities to build a web of covert monitoring devices that can intercept and manipulate user traffic.
9. New Android Malware Spies On Users By Monitoring Messages And Calls
A sophisticated Android malware can intercept private messages and record calls by abusing accessibility permissions. Designed to remain hidden, the malware records voice and textual communication in real time and sends it to remote command-and-control servers — raising serious privacy and surveillance risks.
10.Philippines Deports 23 Chinese Nationals Linked To Illegal POGO Cyber-Fraud
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration has deported 23 Chinese nationals suspected of operating in illegally licensed POGO (online gaming) firms tied to cyber-fraud. Authorities allege they were running casino-style betting platforms used to launder money and defraud customers through rigged games and deceptive payouts.
