- By Shibra Arshad
- Sat, 03 Jan 2026 02:16 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Cyber Crime News: The North Cyber police have arrested a 25-year-old BCom student from Surat, Gujarat, for his alleged connection with a cyber fraud group that duped a Malad-based businessman of over Rs 21 lakh.
To execute their plan, the fraudsters sent a fake e-challan notice to the businessman on WhatsApp, using a malicious APK (Android Package Kit) file. As per the police, the accused, Hardik Ashok Bhai Borda, who ran an online business of weighing machines, played a key role in a multi-layered cyber fraud racket.
The racket targeted victims by posing as the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
How Scam Unfolded With Mumbai Businessman
The scam took place when a 42-year-old Malad East-based businessman travelled to Gujarat to attend a wedding function last month.
He received an e-challan through WhatsApp on November 17 when the businessman was busy at a wedding function.
Believing the notice to be genuine, he clicked on the file, and an APK file downloaded on his phone, giving scammers remote access to his phone.
As soon as the cyber criminals got access to his banking details, Rs 11,33,880 and Rs 10,39,326 were siphoned off from his and his wife’s bank accounts, respectively.
How Did Man Discover Fraud
He filed a complaint on December 1, when the businessman visited the bank to update his passbook, he was informed of possible cyber fraud after he noticed a suspicious transaction.
“Initial investigation shows this was a well-planned, layered cyber fraud. The arrested accused acted as a key link in the money-laundering chain,” a senior cyber police officer said. “We are now tracing the second and third layers of the racket and do not rule out more arrests.”
Money Trail To Avoid Detection, Traced
A total of Rs 21.73 lakh was withdrawn from the couple’s accounts through multiple rapid transactions on the same morning. Around Rs 8.5 lakh was traced directly to Borda’s bank account. The accused further transferred funds into the second layer using a credit card.
What Are The Warning Signs If APK File Is Downloaded on Your Phone
Here are the few possible warning signs of APK file in your phone-
- App asks for unnecessary permissions.
- Phone slows down or heats up.
- Unknown apps are running in the background.
- Sudden bank transactions.
How To Protect Yourself From Cyber Fraud
- Never install APK files from WhatsApp or SMS
- Download apps only from Google Play Store/Apple App Store
- Keep ‘Install from Unknown Sources’ OFF
- Check app permissions regularly.
- Uninstall apps asking for unnecessary access
- Keep phone software updated.
- Use a trusted antivirus.