A major cybercrime network operating on the Jamtara-style model has been exposed in the capital city of Patna, where cyber police arrested four members of an interstate fraud gang accused of targeting people by offering fake Mahanagar Gas Limited connections or threatening disconnection of existing services.
Fake Gas Connection Threats
According to police, the arrested accused have been identified as Gulthan Yadav, Arun Mandal, and Pankaj Kumar, residents of Jamtara district in Jharkhand, and gang leader Sridhar, a resident of Pune. The accused were reportedly running the fraud operation from a rented flat in New Jaganpura area of Patna for the past five to six months.
Malicious APK File Trap
Investigations revealed that the gang used to call victims posing as gas service providers, promising new gas connections or threatening to disconnect existing ones. In some cases, consumers were pressured with false claims of service termination. After gaining trust, the gang sent a suspicious APK file to the victims.
Once the victims installed the APK file on their mobile phones, the cybercriminals allegedly gained access to banking credentials and confidential mobile data, leading to unauthorized money transfers from the accounts.
Police said technical investigations have found cyber fraud cases registered against the gang across nearly 20 states, including Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. Authorities estimate that the gang may have carried out fraud worth crores of rupees.
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Telegram Data Suppliers Sought
Investigators also found that the gang collected personal data through the messaging platform Telegram. Mobile numbers and other personal details were reportedly supplied to them, which were later used to target potential victims. Police are now searching for the main masterminds who were supplying data to the gang.
During the arrest, 18 mobile phones were recovered from the accused. During interrogation, the criminals admitted that they had been involved in cybercrime activities for the past four to five years and had previously served jail sentences. After being released, they allegedly rebuilt their organized fraud network.
Forensic Probe and Multi-State Coordination
A senior cyber police officer said forensic examinations have been initiated. Recovered mobile phones and bank transaction records are being analyzed. Police have also contacted law enforcement agencies in other states to dismantle the network completely.
APK Safety Warnings Issued
Officials stated that online fraud methods are evolving rapidly and criminals are adopting new technologies. Citizens have been advised to avoid answering unknown calls, clicking suspicious links, or installing APK files from unverified sources. Any offer made in the name of a company or service should be verified through official websites or customer helplines.
Police added that investigation is ongoing to identify other members of the gang and the data supply network behind the operation. Coordination with nationwide agencies is being strengthened to curb cybercrime activities.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
