Mumbai. Mumbai Police have arrested two men for allegedly purchasing expensive smartphones with money obtained through cyber fraud and recovered 25 mobile phones worth more than ₹19.66 lakh. According to police, the accused allegedly used money obtained through credit card phishing to purchase high-end smartphones through various online platforms.
The case came to light after a complaint was registered at LT Marg Police Station in South Mumbai. Based on the complaint, a case was registered under Sections 318(4) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Police subsequently launched a technical investigation to trace those allegedly involved in the fraud.
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According to police, the victim was contacted by an unidentified person posing as a representative of RBL Bank’s credit card service. The caller allegedly told the victim that they would help deactivate an active Mail Order (MO) service linked to the credit card. The accused then allegedly sent a phishing link to the victim through WhatsApp.
After the victim opened the link, three unauthorised transactions were allegedly carried out through an e-commerce platform. The transactions amounted to around ₹4.48 lakh. Following the complaint, investigators examined the digital trail, transaction details and other technical evidence to identify the people allegedly involved.
The investigation led police to Kurla in Mumbai and Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Two alleged members of the suspected network were arrested from the two locations. The accused have been identified as Anisbeg Mirza, 23, and Moin Shaikh, 34.
Police said two Apple smartphones directly linked to the reported fraud were recovered from the accused. During the operation, investigators also seized 23 additional mobile phones that are suspected to be connected with different cybercrime cases. The devices include smartphones manufactured by several major companies.
The total recovery consequently stood at 25 mobile phones, with an estimated value of more than ₹19.66 lakh. The seizure of the additional devices has prompted investigators to examine whether the accused were allegedly involved in a wider network operating across multiple cyber fraud cases.
Police are now investigating how the additional smartphones were acquired and whether they were purchased using money obtained through other fraudulent transactions. Investigators are also examining the online purchase records, payment trails and other digital evidence to establish the alleged movement of money and devices.
Another focus of the investigation is to determine whether the smartphones were intended for personal use, resale or transfer to other members of the suspected network. Police are examining whether the devices were ordered using accounts, payment instruments or identities connected to the accused or other individuals.
The 23 additional phones are being examined for possible links with other reported cybercrime cases. Investigators are expected to compare device details, purchase records and digital evidence with complaints registered in other cases to determine whether the same suspects or network members were involved.
The case also highlights the use of phishing methods in credit card-related fraud. By posing as legitimate representatives and sending links through messaging platforms, fraudsters allegedly attempt to obtain access to sensitive financial information or induce victims to carry out actions that enable unauthorised transactions.
Police said further investigation is underway to identify other possible members of the suspected cyber fraud network. Investigators are also working to establish how the phishing operation was carried out, how the allegedly defrauded money was converted into high-value mobile phones and whether the arrested accused had roles in other fraudulent transactions.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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