‘Inspired’ by Tamil film, how Delhi youth ran QR code fraud to divert digital payments

During the investigation, police carried out a spot inspection of the shop, examined their billing system and the digital payment process, and recorded statements of the complainant, shop owner and sales staff. A technical analysis of the UPI transaction trail revealed that the payment had been diverted to an unrelated bank account.

Further financial and digital analysis traced the amount to a bank account, which was being operated from Rajasthan. Based on mobile data, bank records and other digital footprints, police identified the accused and conducted an inter-state operation, apprehending him from Chaksu in Jaipur.

“During questioning, the accused admitted to his involvement in the offence and disclosed his modus operandi of manipulating genuine merchant QR codes to divert customer payments into his own bank account. Examination of the accused’s account confirmed receipt of the money too,” said DCP (North) Raja Banthia.

“The accused further disclosed that the idea of manipulating QR codes was inspired by a movie titled Vettaiyan. He admitted adapting the concept for real-world execution using image-editing applications and digital payment platforms,” the DCP said.

Police said mobile phones seized from the accused contained extensive digital evidence, including over 100 edited and original QR codes, chats, screenshots and financial records. Further investigation is underway, police said.