In a significant breakthrough against evolving cybercrime techniques, the Cyber Cell of Delhi Police’s West District has busted a well-organised interstate cyber fraud syndicate that used an unusual and sophisticated modus operandi involving FASTag payments and Amazon Gift Cards to siphon and launder illicit funds.
Two key accused were arrested from Sri Ganganagar district in Rajasthan following an intensive technical and financial investigation. Police officials said the accused were involved in multiple online cheating cases across states, with complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
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Fraud Linked to Fake E-Challan APK File
The case came to light after a Delhi-based victim lost over ₹1 lakh after his mobile phone was compromised through a malicious APK file sent via WhatsApp. The file masqueraded as an e-challan notification, tricking the victim into installing malware on his device.
Once installed, the APK allegedly allowed the accused to gain unauthorised access to the victim’s phone, banking credentials and financial data. Police said such APK-based frauds are increasingly being used to bypass traditional phishing detection mechanisms.
Following the complaint, the Cyber Cell initiated a detailed probe involving call data analysis, IP tracking, digital payment trails and device forensics.
FASTag and Gift Cards Used to Launder Money
Investigators revealed that the accused adopted a novel laundering technique to obscure the money trail. Instead of transferring cheated funds directly into bank accounts, the syndicate allegedly routed the money through FASTag payments linked to multiple vehicles.
The amounts collected via FASTag wallets were then converted into Amazon Gift Cards, enabling quick liquidation of funds while avoiding direct bank scrutiny. Police said this layered method made detection difficult and pointed to a high level of planning and technical awareness.
Officials described the modus operandi as a worrying sign of how cybercriminals are exploiting everyday digital payment tools for large-scale fraud.
Raid in Gharsana Exposes Fully Operational Fraud Setup
Based on technical leads, Delhi Police conducted raids in Gharsana area of Sri Ganganagar, where they discovered a fully operational cyber fraud setup allegedly functioning under the cover of a firm named “Bansari Company.”
During the search, police recovered a massive cache of digital and financial instruments, including:
- 70 mobile phones
- 10 laptops
- 467 SIM cards
- 37 ATM cards
- 10 bank passbooks
- Multiple FASTag devices
- A POS (Point of Sale) machine
The scale of recovery indicated that the syndicate was not targeting isolated victims but was allegedly involved in systematic, large-scale cyber fraud operations.
Multiple NCRP Complaints Linked Across States
Police officials stated that several complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal from different states were traced back to the arrested accused. This suggests the existence of a pan-India fraud network, with victims spread across jurisdictions.
Investigators are now examining seized devices to identify accomplices, money mules, shell accounts and possible links to other organised cybercrime groups. Further arrests are likely as digital forensics and financial audits continue.
The accused are expected to face charges under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act, 2000, including offences related to cheating, identity theft, and unauthorised access to computer systems.
Police Warn Public Against APK-Based Scams
Delhi Police have reiterated their advisory urging citizens not to download APK files received via WhatsApp, SMS or unknown links, especially those claiming to be traffic challans, courier notices or banking alerts.
Officials said legitimate government agencies do not send executable files through messaging apps and advised the public to verify such communications through official portals.
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.
