India police bust interstate cyber fraud ring using fake gas alerts and malicious APKs

Delhi police arrested four suspects after uncovering a scheme that sent fake gas‑connection warnings via WhatsApp, prompting victims to install malicious Android APK files. The fraud yielded about ₹2.64 lakh, which was funneled into high‑value electronics, gold, and cash. Investigators recovered 20 mobile devices, gold/silver articles, cash and a vehicle, and traced links to a wider network operating from Kolkata and Jharkhand.

In a related operation in Gujarat, authorities dismantled a larger cyber‑crime network that supplied the same malicious APKs to roughly 400 criminals. Using a dedicated Telegram bot, the perpetrators distributed malware masquerading as bank and utility notifications. Key figures, including the developer identified as Purnanand alias Mukesh Tiwari and distributor Vikas Das, were arrested on a train traveling from Kolkata to Sairang. The investigation also uncovered accomplices arranging credit‑card details and laundering proceeds. Police seized multiple APK files, technical infrastructure and financial records, highlighting the network’s capability to hijack victims’ devices, intercept OTPs and drain bank accounts.