The Top Ten cyber crime news summaries on The420 are meticulously curated by Future Crime Researchers from the Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF) and powered by Algoritha Security Pvt. Ltd. These summaries feature the most critical cyber crime developments from around the world. Keep reading and stay safe.
1. High School Dropout Arrested for Role in ‘Digital Arrest’ Cyber Fraud Syndicate
Police arrested a high school dropout accused of operating within a cyber syndicate executing “digital arrest” scams. The gang posed as law enforcement officials, intimidating victims into transferring money under fabricated allegations. Investigators recovered phones, SIM cards, and financial details, confirming the suspect’s active role in the extortion network.
2. ED Attaches Over ₹10,000 Crore Worth of Reliance Group Assets in Ongoing Fraud Probe
The Enforcement Directorate attached Reliance Group properties worth over ₹10,000 crore as part of a large-scale financial fraud investigation. Officials allege diversion of funds, shell companies, and criminal conspiracy. The action marks one of the agency’s biggest attachments and signals intensified scrutiny of corporate financial irregularities.
3. TRAI’s 2025 SMS Regulations: Strong Start but Major Gaps Remain in India’s Fight Against Cyber Fraud
TRAI’s 2025 SMS reform framework aims to curb spam and phishing by tightening sender verification and template approvals. However, experts warn loopholes, weak enforcement, and pushback from telecom players could undermine impact. Cybercrime units say fraudsters still exploit unauthorized headers and social engineering tactics to target millions of consumers.
4. Indore Police Help Victims Recover ₹14 Crore Lost to Online Fraud
Indore police announced the successful recovery of ₹14 crore siphoned from victims in various online scams. The cyber unit tracked digital money trails, froze mule accounts, and coordinated with banks for swift restitution. Authorities said rapid reporting and real-time monitoring played a crucial role in recovering stolen funds.
5. Cybercriminals Use ‘₹10 PhonePe Trap’ to Steal ₹21 Lakh from Barbil Residents
Cyber fraudsters used a deceptive “₹10 PhonePe refund” trick to lure Barbil residents into sharing confidential banking details. Victims unknowingly allowed remote access, enabling scammers to transfer large sums. Police said multiple households were affected and urged citizens to avoid clicking payment links or sharing OTPs with unknown callers.
INTERNATIONAL
6. Chinese Tech Giant Sues U.S. Government, Denies Being a National Security Threat
A major Chinese hardware manufacturer has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, challenging restrictions imposed on its products. The company argues it poses no national security risk and claims the ban is politically motivated. The case underscores escalating tech tensions between the U.S. and China amid ongoing disputes over cybersecurity and supply-chain trust.
7. Global Operation Dismantles Crypto Laundering Network That Moved Over €700 Million
International law enforcement agencies coordinated a takedown of a vast cryptocurrency laundering network responsible for moving more than €700 million in illicit funds. The syndicate allegedly washed proceeds from fraud, ransomware, and darknet operations. Several arrests and asset seizures were made. Authorities called the bust a major blow to global cyber-enabled financial crime.
8. Lazarus Group’s Fake IT Worker Scheme Exposed After Hackers Caught on Camera
Security investigators exposed a Lazarus Group operation where North Korean operatives posed as IT freelancers to infiltrate international companies. Hackers were caught on surveillance footage coordinating malicious activities. The scheme enabled credential theft and insider access, highlighting an evolving strategy by state-sponsored groups to bypass perimeter defenses through human-based infiltration.
9. Zero-Click Browser Exploit Can Erase Entire Google Drive via Crafted Emails
Researchers uncovered a zero-click vulnerability in an agentic browser workflow that allows attackers to delete Google Drive content using specially crafted emails. The exploit triggers automatic browser actions without user interaction. Experts warn the flaw poses severe risks to cloud-stored data and demonstrates the growing danger of automation-driven cyberattacks.
10. New ClayRat Android Spyware Variant Gives Hackers Full Device Control
A newly discovered variant of the ClayRat Android spyware enables full device takeover, including access to messages, apps, camera, and location data. The malware spreads through phishing links and fake apps. Analysts say the upgrade reflects rising sophistication in mobile surveillance tools targeting government officials, journalists, and corporate employees worldwide.
