In a major crackdown on organised cybercrime, the Azamgarh police have arrested 15 members of a gang accused of cloning government-owned and private mobile applications to defraud beneficiaries across multiple states. The arrests followed coordinated raids in Lucknow, based on intelligence inputs about an impending large-scale cyber fraud attempt.

Two suspects caught first; 13 more arrested in follow-up raids

Acting on a tip-off that two gang members were planning a major cyber fraud near Husadiya Chowk in Lucknow, a team led by Cybercrime Police Station in-charge Inspector Devendra Pratap Singh arrested Imran alias Samad and Arjun Singh on December 7. Their interrogation led investigators to two hotels in the city, where 13 additional suspects were taken into custody.

Azamgarh Senior Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar said the arrested men hail from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, and have confessed to being part of a coordinated cyber fraud network. Action under the UP Gangsters Act is being initiated against all 15 accused, he added.

Gang cloned PM-Kisan, e-Challan and other government apps

According to police, the gang’s technical operatives created APK files — Android Package Kits — that mimicked the official mobile apps of schemes such as PM-Kisan, e-Challan, and other government services. These fake apps were shared with victims through WhatsApp links.

Once installed, the malicious software gave the gang access to victims’ devices, enabling them to steal banking credentials and withdraw money from their bank accounts.

The SSP said the fraudulently obtained funds were routed through corporate and current accounts using fake identities, allowing the gang to receive commissions after transferring the stolen money.

Instagram account used to lure targets

The gang operated an Instagram account, Accountwala 9334, offering high commissions to individuals willing to share bank account details, debit card numbers and SIM cards. Many unsuspecting users were drawn in by the promise of easy earnings and unknowingly enabled the criminal network.

Devices seized; links to 121 bank accounts found

Police seized a large haul of material during the raids, including:

  • 23 mobile phones
  • 14 debit cards
  • 15 SIM cards
  • Several electronic devices
  • Two cars

A preliminary examination of the seized phones revealed details related to 121 bank accounts, with 31 accounts already having registered complaints of fraud, the SSP noted.

Investigators believe the gang may have targeted hundreds more, and a detailed digital forensic analysis is under way.

Crackdown highlights evolving cybercrime tactics

Authorities say the case reflects a growing trend of cybercriminals cloning official apps to exploit trust in government digital platforms. Police have urged citizens to download applications only from verified app stores and to avoid clicking on unknown links shared via messaging apps.

Further investigation is ongoing to track financial flows, identify additional accomplices and support victims in recovering their stolen funds.