In a major breakthrough, the Mumbai Cyber Police have busted an inter-state cyber fraud racket involved in cheating people by sending fake APK files in the name of Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL). The accused allegedly siphoned off money from victims’ bank accounts after gaining access to their mobile devices.
Police have arrested three accused from different states after tracking the gang across Jharkhand, West Bengal and Bihar. The arrested individuals have been identified as Arif Ansari (28), Bilal Sheikh (28) and Mehboob Alam (25). Five mobile phones have been seized from their possession, which contained several fake APK files used in executing the fraud.
According to cyber police officials, the gang would send messages to victims claiming that their MGL gas connection was about to be disconnected. The accused would then pose as company officials and persuade victims to download a file named “MGL Gas Unblock APK.” Once the file was installed, the fraudsters gained access to the victim’s mobile phone and sensitive banking details.
In one such case, a 64-year-old Kurla resident, Upendra Narayan Muskur, was targeted by the accused. He was sent a fake message warning him about disconnection of his gas supply. After downloading the malicious file, ₹2.35 lakh was fraudulently withdrawn from his bank account.
Following the complaint, a case was registered at the West Region Cyber Police Station, and an investigation was launched, leading to the arrest of the accused. Further probe in the matter is underway.