Firozabad: Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested 10 alleged cyber fraudsters in multiple coordinated raids under Operation Cyber Vajra, exposing two organised cybercrime networks involved in digital arrest scams, fake investment fraud, and APK-based malware attacks. The operations, conducted by the Dakshin, Rasoolpur, and Linepar police stations, have uncovered links to a large interstate cybercrime syndicate allegedly responsible for defrauding victims across several Indian states.
According to police, one of the investigations began after actionable intelligence was received through the Samanvaya Portal, leading investigators to a bank account allegedly used to receive money extorted through digital arrest scams. During the operation, police arrested Arbaaz Khan, who allegedly allowed his State Bank of India account to be used for routing fraud proceeds.
Investigators alleged that Arbaaz, along with his associate Mohammad Uzair, used the account to receive approximately ₹18 lakh obtained through cyber fraud. After retaining a commission of nearly 20 percent, the remaining funds were allegedly withdrawn through cheques and ATM transactions. Police recovered a mobile phone, two bank passbooks, an ATM card, and a SIM card from the accused. Efforts are underway to arrest the alleged kingpin, Mohammad Uzair.
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In a separate operation, Dakshin Police dismantled another cyber fraud network accused of luring victims into fake online investment schemes and persuading them to install malicious APK files that enabled unauthorised access to banking credentials and financial information. Four accused—Sanjay, Hemant, Suraj, and Hamid—were arrested and sent for judicial proceedings.
Police said the accused have been linked to nearly 22 cybercrime complaints registered in different states involving alleged fraud of around ₹1 crore. Investigators also found that approximately ₹10 lakh from the fraudulent proceeds had been directly credited into bank accounts operated by the accused.
According to investigators, the organised interstate syndicate was active across Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Bihar, Punjab, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. The network allegedly targeted victims through digital arrest scams, fraudulent investment platforms, and malicious mobile applications while routing illicit proceeds through multiple bank accounts to conceal the money trail.
During the investigation, police traced suspicious transactions amounting to ₹1.01 crore in accounts linked to the accused. Of this amount, nearly ₹11 lakh has been frozen, while the accused had allegedly withdrawn approximately ₹78 lakh before law enforcement intervened. Police said eight other members of the network remain absconding, and multiple teams are conducting raids to apprehend them.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said digital arrest scams, fake investment platforms, and APK-based malware have emerged as some of the most effective tools used by organised cybercriminals. He noted that fraudsters first gain victims’ confidence before persuading them to install malicious applications, transfer money into fraudulent accounts, or comply with fabricated legal threats. He advised the public to avoid downloading APK files from unverified sources, install applications only through official app stores, and independently verify any investment offer or law enforcement-related communication before taking any financial action.
Police have urged citizens not to trust unsolicited calls, messages, or links promising easy profits or claiming involvement in digital arrest investigations. Authorities have advised victims of suspected cyber fraud to immediately report the incident through the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930), the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, or the nearest police station so that timely action can be taken to trace and secure the funds.
