Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh district have uncovered an alleged cybercrime network and arrested a suspect accused of defrauding victims of approximately ₹2.2 million (₹22 lakh) by luring them with free movie and web series downloads. According to investigators, the accused distributed malicious APK files through social media, enabling unauthorized access to victims’ mobile devices and facilitating fraudulent transfers of money into mule bank accounts. Police said the investigation has so far identified 17 bank accounts allegedly used in the operation, while efforts are underway to trace other members of the network.
According to police, the arrest followed specific intelligence received by the Cyber Cell and Maharajganj Police Station indicating that proceeds of cyber fraud were about to be withdrawn from an ATM. Acting on the information, a joint team apprehended the suspect. During the search, officers recovered two iPhones and a Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle. Preliminary investigation revealed links to 17 bank accounts that were allegedly used to receive and transfer funds obtained through cyber fraud.
Investigators allege that the accused used forged Aadhaar cards to withdraw money from mule accounts through Common Service Centres (CSCs). Police said the seized iPhones were allegedly used to operate mobile numbers linked to the mule accounts. These numbers reportedly received one-time passwords (OTPs), enabling the accused to complete unauthorized banking transactions and withdraw the fraudulently obtained funds.
During questioning, the suspect allegedly told investigators that he and his associates shared APK file links on social media while claiming they would allow users to download newly released movies and web series free of charge. Police allege that when victims clicked the links and installed the APK files, malicious software gained unauthorized access to their mobile devices. The attackers then allegedly transferred money from victims’ bank accounts into mule accounts before withdrawing the funds through ATMs and other channels. Authorities are continuing to verify these claims through technical and forensic analysis.
According to renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh, fraud involving malicious APK files has been increasing because installing applications from unofficial sources significantly raises security risks on Android devices. He advised users never to install APK files received through unknown links or those promising free access to movies, web series, games or premium applications. Instead, applications should only be downloaded from official app stores, and all available security features on mobile devices should remain enabled.
Police are conducting a detailed examination of the seized mobile phones, banking records, digital evidence and financial transactions connected to the case. Investigators are also attempting to identify additional members of the alleged network, determine who operated the mule accounts and trace the movement of the stolen funds. If further individuals are found to be involved, legal action will be initiated against them in accordance with the law.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid clicking on suspicious APK links received through social media, messaging platforms or email and to refrain from downloading applications from unauthorized sources. Anyone who becomes a victim of such cyber fraud should immediately notify their bank to secure their accounts and report the incident to the local cyber police or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to dismantle the broader cybercrime network and identify all those allegedly involved in the fraud.
