Rampur | Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur district have uncovered an alleged cyber fraud syndicate that investigators say used malicious APK files to gain control of victims’ mobile phones, siphon money from bank accounts, and channel cybercrime proceeds through bank accounts opened in the names of fake companies. Three accused have been arrested, and police have seized ₹7.5 lakh in cash, a Mahindra Thar SUV, a laptop, mobile phones, ATM cards, cheque books, and a large number of documents.
The case came to light after police received information about a suspicious vehicle during routine patrol duty in the Patwai area. Acting on the tip-off, officers intercepted a Mahindra Thar on the Patwai–Sona Pul road and detained its occupants. The arrested accused have been identified as Prahlad Singh of Moradabad and Vivek Kumar and Harvinder Singh of Rampur.
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According to investigators, a search of the vehicle and the accused led to the recovery of substantial cash and electronic equipment. Seized items included ₹7.5 lakh in cash, a Dell laptop, a Paytm card swipe machine, six mobile phones, six company seals, four bill books, 18 ATM cards, 15 cheque books, four passbooks, an Indian passport, Aadhaar cards, and PAN cards. Officials believe the recovered material could provide crucial leads into the gang’s operations and financial network.
During preliminary interrogation, the accused allegedly disclosed that they sent APK files to potential victims. Once installed, the files reportedly enabled them to gain access to the victims’ devices. Investigators allege that the gang then obtained banking information and transferred funds from the victims’ accounts. Police also claim that the group lured people by promising to double or triple their money through fraudulent investment schemes.
Investigators suspect the operation was more than a conventional online fraud and may have been part of a larger organized financial network. According to the probe, the accused allegedly created fake companies and used forged documents to open current and business accounts at various banks. These accounts were reportedly used to receive, transfer, and conceal money generated through cybercrime activities. The seals, bill books, and banking documents recovered during the raid are expected to play a significant role in establishing the extent of the network.
Cybersecurity experts note that APK-based fraud has increased sharply in recent years. Criminals often impersonate banks, government agencies, investment platforms, or trusted organizations and persuade users to install malicious applications. Once installed, such apps can grant unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the device.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said cybercriminals are increasingly combining technical tools with social engineering tactics to deceive victims. He advised users to verify the authenticity of any APK file, link, or investment offer before downloading applications or sharing personal information.
Police have also seized the Thar SUV allegedly used by the accused. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. Investigators are now examining whether the network operated across multiple states and how many people may have fallen victim to the alleged fraud.
In the next phase of the investigation, forensic analysis of the seized mobile phones, laptop, banking records, and digital evidence will be conducted. Officials hope the examination will help identify additional associates, trace the bank accounts used in the operation, and uncover the full financial trail of the alleged cybercrime racket. Authorities described the bust as a significant step in the ongoing crackdown on organized cyber fraud networks operating in the region.
