‘Malicious APK files sent as challans’: Three held for Rs 3 crore interstate cyber fraud in Ghaziabad

According to the police, the trio was involved in at least 94 cases of cyber fraud registered across 16 states.

cyber fraud in Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad, interstate cyber fraud in Ghaziabad, interstate cyber fraud, Android Package Kit (APK) files, Cyber Crime Police Station, Ghaziabad Police, delhi news, India news, Indian express, current affairsDuring the operation, police recovered 12 mobile phones allegedly used to execute the fraud, along with two laptops, eight SIM cards and a car used in the commission of the crimes, officers said.

Three members of an interstate cyber fraud gang, accused of defrauding victims of nearly Rs 3 crore through malicious Android Package Kit (APK) files sent to their mobile phones, were arrested on Tuesday by the Cyber Crime Police Station of the Ghaziabad Police, officers said.

The accused have been identified as Pintu, Adarsh and Prashant, residents of Bihar and Jharkhand.

According to the police, the trio was involved in at least 94 cases of cyber fraud registered across 16 states.

Officers said the gang used a sophisticated modus operandi to target unsuspecting victims. “They would circulate malicious APK files disguised as traffic challans, banking notices, RTO challans or even legitimate-looking mobile applications. The links were shared through messaging platforms, prompting recipients to download and install the files,” said Dhawal Jaiswal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Ghaziabad.

“The moment a user opened the APK file, their mobile phone would get compromised. Sensitive personal and banking-related information was then accessed by the accused,” the DCP added.

Using the stolen data, the accused would siphon money from victims’ bank accounts and transfer it into pre-arranged accounts before withdrawing it, Jaiswal said.

During the operation, police recovered 12 mobile phones allegedly used to execute the fraud, along with two laptops, eight SIM cards and a car used in the commission of the crimes, officers said.

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“Further investigation into the network and its possible links to other cybercrime syndicates is underway,” the DCP said.

 

Neetika Jha is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, based in the Noida bureau. She primarily covers crime, health, and environmental issues, as well as human-interest features across Noida, Ghaziabad, and Western Uttar Pradesh. Professional Profile Education: She is an alumna of the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai. Core Beat: Her work focuses on the administrative and social challenges of the NCR's satellite cities. She is known for her detailed reporting on civic infrastructure (like the Noida International Airport), environmental violations, and high-profile criminal investigations. Personal Interests: Outside of reporting, she is an avid reader of fiction (citing The Thursday Murder Club and Yellowface as recent favorites) and a gardening enthusiast. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Neetika’s recent reportage has been dominated by winter-related crises in the NCR and significant criminal legalities: 1. Environment & Public Safety "Greater Noida Authority slaps fines on firms for violating GRAP IV norms" (Dec 21, 2025): Reporting on heavy penalties imposed on major developers like NBCC for flouting anti-pollution construction bans. "Fatal pile-up on Yamuna Expressway: Fog, high speed emerge as key safety risks" (Dec 17, 2025): A major report on a 15-vehicle collision caused by dense fog that killed 17 people. "At Chilla, Kalindi, DND, many fined Rs 20,000 for non-compliance to Delhi's BS-VI rule" (Dec 19, 2025): On-the-ground reporting from the borders where Noida police penalize non-compliant vehicles entering the capital. "Driving in Noida amid fog? New speed limits in effect till Feb 15" (Dec 13, 2025): Detailing the seasonal traffic restrictions aimed at preventing highway accidents. 2. Crime & Legal Developments "'Have you ever heard of a murder case being withdrawn?': Court in Akhlaq lynching case" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering a critical courtroom hearing where the court questioned the UP government's petition to withdraw charges against the accused. "After losing money in stock market, bank employee in Ghaziabad withdraws Rs 64 lakh from customers' accounts" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative piece on internal bank fraud and the risks of modern digital embezzlement. "Woman shot dead by partner in Noida: Three days on, accused still on the run" (Dec 2, 2025): Tracking a high-profile domestic violence and murder case in Central Noida. 3. Human Interest & Features "'Had tears in my eyes': Army men walk bride down the aisle 20 years after father died in terror attack" (Dec 2, 2025): A moving story about soldiers from a Punjab Grenadiers unit fulfilling a father's duty for his daughter. "How a Zepto delivery man heard a cry — and saved two kids dumped in Noida drain" (Dec 2025): A viral human-interest story highlighting individual heroism in the city. Signature Style Neetika is recognized for her meticulous follow-up on local tragedies. Whether it is a massive pile-up on the Yamuna Expressway or the ongoing construction of the Jewar (Noida) Airport, she focuses on systemic lapses and the safety of commuters. Her crime reporting often explores the psychological motives behind "crimes of passion" and the rising trend of financial cyber-fraud in the Ghaziabad-Noida belt. ... Read More

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