The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch apprehended three individuals linked to a Jharkhand-based cyber fraud network. Among those arrested is Purnanand alias Mukesh Tiwari, the alleged developer of malicious Android application package (APK) files. The arrests were made following a complaint by Naresh Sabnani from Ahmedabad regarding unauthorized access to his phone and subsequent theft from his bank account.
Vikas Das and Sitaram Nakul Mandal are the other two accused arrested in connection with the case. The trio is accused of distributing APK files that led to fraudulent transactions totaling Rs 6,68,914 from Sabnani’s HDFC Bank account. The investigation revealed that the accused operated a Telegram bot to market and distribute the malicious software to cybercriminals, with Tiwari being the main developer of the APK files.
The malicious APK files impersonated various banks and services, with Tiwari selling them for Rs 12,000 per month to around 300-400 clients. Vikas Das facilitated the distribution of these files and received payments through SBI’s YONO Cash facility. Investigators found that the accused had a history of involvement in cyber fraud, with Tiwari previously arrested for electricity bill scams.
The gang’s operations extended to multiple states, with complaints totaling nearly Rs 70 lakh. The Cyber Crime Branch is continuing efforts to determine the full extent of the fraud network. Authorities advise the public to only install applications from official stores, avoid downloading APK files from unknown sources, and report any suspicious activity to the cybercrime helpline or local police.
