Fake challans, pension apps: Cops arrest BTech dropout linked to Rs 150 crore fraud

Mumbai Police have arrested a 36-year-old BTech dropout from Indore who allegedly created and sold malicious Android apps to cybercriminals across India, with fraud linked to those apps estimated at over Rs 150 crore.The Crime Branch’s Property Cell traced the accused, identified as Pankaj Gupta, while investigating a case in which a senior citizen in Byculla lost Rs 5.62 lakh after allegedly being persuaded to install a malicious app. The case was registered on August 13.Police said the accused acted as a technical service provider, supplying apps that fraudsters used to target senior citizens and other victims.FAKE VERIFICATION APPS USED TO TARGET VICTIMSThe accused allegedly created 2,805 APK files disguised as services such as pension card verification, life certificates, senior citizen cards, traffic challans and credit card updates. An APK file is used to install an app on an Android phone. In these cases, police said, the files contained malicious apps used to facilitate financial fraud.Fraudsters contacted victims through calls and messages, offering to arrange cards or asking them to complete a verification. They then persuaded victims to install the apps. The accused had also rented server space to support the operation, police said.POLICE TRACE NETWORK OF BUYERSAccording to investigators, the accused initially offered app and website development services. After receiving a call from a cybercriminal, he allegedly introduced himself as an APK developer and offered his services.He subsequently came into contact with fraudsters across the country and began selling them malicious apps, police said.Investigators estimate that fraud committed using his apps exceeds Rs 150 crore, though the amount could rise as more cases are identified. The figure represents losses allegedly linked to the apps, rather than money earned by the accused.Police are questioning him to identify buyers and establish the extent of the network.- Ends