A chilling exposé on cyber fraud unfolded in Kolkata as police dismantled a gang of five on January 24, seizing gadgets used to remotely plunder bank accounts via booby-trapped social media links.
The investigation kicked off December 19 at the Cyber Police Station, fueled by prior suspect grillings and precise tips. A precision raid in Maheshtala nabbed the culprits: 22-year-old Raja Kumar (Abhimanyu), Sejen Phillips (22), Mohammad Samar (20), Neeraj Kumar (28), and teen Mohammad Imran (19). Originating from states like Bihar and Maharashtra, they executed crimes with military precision.
Recovered evidence painted a grim picture—10 laptops, 24 Android devices, routers, and offensive screenshots. The gang’s scheme involved creating fake APK files, distributed via tempting social media bait. Installation triggered remote access, allowing thieves to mine banking apps, UPI, OTPs, and more.
Victims faced silent robbery: funds funneled to linked accounts undetected until massive shortfalls surfaced. This wasn’t amateur hour; it was a structured conspiracy tied to an established fraud empire.
As forensic analysis progresses, the full extent of their operations unravels. The arrests spotlight vulnerabilities in mobile security and social platforms, where a harmless click can devastate lives.
Law enforcement’s proactive stance offers hope amid rising scams. Citizens are advised to scrutinize links, use antivirus software, and enable two-factor authentication. Dismantling such networks requires collective wariness in our hyper-connected world.