Mumbai Police arrested 25-year-old Mazhar Alam Israil Miyan from Jamtara for defrauding a Bombay High Court judge of ₹6.02 lakh. The fraud involved a phishing app that siphoned money from the judge’s account. Cuffe Parade Police traced the suspect to Jharkhand and took action.
Arrest and Criminal Network
Investigations revealed Miyan is part of a large cybercrime network. Mumbai Police, with Jamtara Cyber Cell and Karmatand Police, took him into custody. He is linked to 36 cases across 10 states, showing that this was part of a wider organized network.
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How the Reward Point Scam Worked
The scam started on February 28, when the judge tried to redeem credit card reward points. The sequence of events included:
- Falling into the trap: Unable to reach official bank channels, the judge called a fake helpline number set up by the scammers.
- Phishing App: Scammers, posing as customer care, sent a WhatsApp link for an 18 MB app.
- Device Manipulation: When the app failed on iPhone, the judge was persuaded to use an Android device.
- Fraud: The judge inserted his SIM into a domestic helper’s Android phone and downloaded the app. Upon entering credit card details, nearly ₹6 lakh was immediately transferred.
Rising Digital Threat
The judge reported the fraud immediately, enabling police to arrest Miyan within 10 days. This case highlights the growing sophistication of cybercrime, where human psychology is targeted to bypass technical security. Even a single wrong click—like downloading an unverified APK—can cause significant financial loss.
Investigation and Next Steps
Police are reviewing Miyan’s digital records, communications, and bank transactions. Authorities said they will identify the wider network and other potential criminals.
Cautions and Warnings
Officials advise citizens not to share financial details via unauthorized or unverified apps, links, or phone numbers. Vigilance is key to preventing phishing and cyber fraud.
Cybersecurity Challenge
Rising cybercrime across India, including in Jamtara, shows that lack of technical awareness can lead to heavy losses. Experts warn that targeting human behavior and decisions is a growing tactic, and such cases are likely to become more complex in the future.
Investigations are ongoing, and police have assured that the full network will be exposed and responsible individuals will face strict action.
