The cyber police in Prayagraj have busted a gang that allegedly posed as bank officials to defraud victims on the pretext of insurance services, credit card limit enhancement and KYC updates. Three accused have been arrested, and multiple digital and banking instruments used in the fraud have been seized.
According to police, the arrested individuals have been identified as Monu Kumar, Mohammad Sajid alias Golu, and Sameer Alam (23), residents of southwest Delhi. They were produced before a court and have been remanded to judicial custody.
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Posed as bank officials to gain trust
Investigators said the accused would call potential victims impersonating bank representatives and offer services such as insurance activation, credit card upgrades, or KYC verification. During the conversation, victims were persuaded to download an APK file sent via a link.
Once installed, the malicious application granted the fraudsters remote access to the victim’s mobile phone. This allowed them to monitor SMS messages, capture OTPs, access banking apps, and initiate unauthorised fund transfers. In many cases, victims realised they had been defrauded only after money had already been withdrawn from their accounts.
Multiple complaints across states
Police said at least 15 complaints against the accused are registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Victims from different states were targeted using the same modus operandi. The seizure of passbooks and ATM cards suggests that the gang used multiple mule accounts to route and layer the stolen funds, making it harder to trace the ultimate beneficiaries.
Digital forensics under way
Cyber investigators are conducting forensic analysis of the seized mobile phones, SIM cards, and bank records. Transaction trails are being examined to identify the flow of funds and locate other members of the network who may still be active.
Public advisory issued
Officials have reiterated that banks never ask customers to download APK files or share OTPs, passwords, or screen access. People have been advised to avoid installing unknown apps, clicking suspicious links, or sharing banking credentials over phone calls.
Police said the wider network is being mapped and further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
