NEW DELHI: Delhi Police have busted a well-organised interstate cyber fraud syndicate that used Fastag-linked payments and Amazon gift cards to siphon and launder money from unsuspecting victims, highlighting a growing trend of hybrid digital-financial crimes. Two accused were arrested from Rajasthan following a detailed technical investigation that traced the fraud trail across multiple states.
The operation was conducted by the Cyber Cell of the West District after a Delhi resident reported unauthorised withdrawals from his bank account. Investigators found that the victim’s mobile phone had been compromised after he downloaded a malicious application file sent via WhatsApp. The file, disguised as an official e-challan notification, installed malware that allowed fraudsters to access sensitive financial information, including banking credentials.
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Malicious APK Triggered the Fraud
According to investigators, once access was gained, the accused routed stolen funds through Fastag wallets linked to several vehicles. These payments were then converted into Amazon gift cards, a step that enabled rapid laundering of money while making the transaction trail difficult to track. Officials said this method reflects an evolution in cybercrime tactics, combining traditional social engineering with newer digital payment infrastructure.
Rajasthan Raids Expose Full-Fledged Fraud Setup
Following digital forensics and financial analysis, the police traced the operations to Sri Ganganagar district in Rajasthan. Raids were conducted in Gharsana, where a fully functional cyber fraud setup was found operating under the cover of a private firm named Bansari Company. The scale of the infrastructure pointed to a systematic and sustained criminal enterprise rather than an isolated operation.
Large Cache of Devices and Financial Instruments Seized
During the search, police seized a large cache of electronic and financial instruments, including 70 mobile phones, 10 laptops, 467 SIM cards, 37 ATM cards, 10 bank passbooks, multiple Fastag tags and a point-of-sale machine. Investigators said the diversity of devices and banking tools suggested that the syndicate was handling multiple victim accounts simultaneously, often rotating SIM cards and digital wallets to avoid detection.
Links to National Cybercrime Complaints
Preliminary analysis of seized devices revealed data linked to numerous complaints filed on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP). These complaints originated from different states, indicating that the network operated on a pan-India scale. Police believe the syndicate targeted victims indiscriminately, relying on mass WhatsApp messaging and fake payment alerts to lure users into installing malicious software.
Fastag Misuse Raises New Concerns
Cybercrime experts involved in the investigation said the use of Fastag wallets marks a notable shift in financial fraud techniques. Originally designed for toll payments, Fastag accounts are now increasingly being misused due to their integration with bank accounts and ease of transfer. Converting stolen funds into e-commerce gift cards further complicates recovery efforts, as such cards can be quickly redeemed or resold.
Investigation Expands to Wider Network
Police officials said further investigation is underway to identify additional members of the network, including those involved in sourcing SIM cards, opening mule bank accounts and liquidating gift card balances. Authorities are also examining whether the syndicate had links to similar fraud cases reported in recent months across northern and western India.
Police Advisory on Digital Safety
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, Delhi Police have also arrested suspects in a stabbing case reported from the Mangolpuri area, in which a 25-year-old man lost his life. A case has been registered, and further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack is ongoing.
As cybercriminals continue to exploit gaps between technology and user awareness, officials warn that financial fraud is becoming more sophisticated and decentralised. The latest crackdown, police said, is part of an ongoing effort to dismantle organised cybercrime networks and strengthen digital payment security across the country.
