Moradabad: A joint operation by the Cyber Crime Police Station and Katghar Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad has uncovered an interstate cyber fraud network allegedly operated by suspects linked to Jamtara and Dumka districts of Jharkhand. Three accused were arrested for allegedly running a cybercrime operation from a rented house in Moradabad while targeting victims across India. During preliminary interrogation, the suspects allegedly admitted to cyber fraud amounting to nearly ₹60–70 lakh. Police are now investigating the wider network, financial transactions and the involvement of other associates.
According to investigators, the operation was launched after analysing suspicious mobile numbers identified through the Pratibimb Portal and the National Cyber Crime Reporting system. Acting on technical surveillance, police raided a rented accommodation in Bhainsiya village under the Katghar area and arrested the three accused. The investigation revealed that the rented premises was allegedly being used as a base to operate the cyber fraud network.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Guddu Ansari and Rafiq Ansari, both residents of Jamtara district, and Karim Ansari, a resident of Dumka district in Jharkhand. Police said 16 complaints had already been registered against the accused on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. A criminal case has also been registered against a woman who allegedly provided accommodation to the suspects. She is currently absconding, and efforts are underway to trace her.
Investigators alleged that the gang used WhatsApp, Telegram and SMS to send fraudulent messages claiming to be related to bank KYC updates, electricity bills, courier deliveries, government schemes, traffic challans and wedding invitations. These messages contained malicious APK (Android Package Kit) files. Once victims downloaded and installed the files, malware infected their smartphones, allowing the suspects to gain unauthorised access to the devices. The compromised phones were then allegedly used to steal banking credentials and carry out fraudulent financial transactions.
During the raid, police recovered seven mobile phones, four pen drives, 23 activated SIM cards, 10 new SIM cards, 10 ATM and smart cards, 11 forged Aadhaar cards, seven PAN cards, and ₹25,000 in cash. The seized digital devices and documents have been sent for forensic examination to determine the full scale of the operation, identify additional victims and establish the total amount allegedly siphoned off through the cyber fraud network.
According to Prof. Triveni Singh, renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer, APK-based attacks remain one of the most effective forms of social engineering. Cybercriminals frequently impersonate banks, government departments, electricity utilities and courier companies to persuade users to install malicious applications. He advised the public never to download or install APK files received through WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS or email, and to install mobile applications only through official app stores.
Police are continuing to examine the accused’s bank accounts, digital devices, call records, financial transactions and possible links to other members of the network. Officials said further arrests and additional legal action cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses and more evidence emerges.
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.
