Man who escaped digital arrest mastermind behind Rs 150 crore cyber fraud

A 36-year-old graphic designer from Indore has been arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch's Property Cell for allegedly creating and supplying malicious software used in a massive cyber fraud. According to investigators, the accused previously escaped a digital arrest scam himself several years ago, but subsequently decided to collaborate with fraudsters by developing custom Android Package Kit files. These malicious files reportedly acted as digital remote controls to compromise target smartphones across the country.

The Mumbai police stated that the software created by the accused was utilized by cybercriminal networks operating out of Bihar and Jharkhand. Investigators allege that the accused disguised these files as applications for government and utility services, credit card updates, and welfare portals to deceive users. Through this operation, approximately 9,673 people across India were allegedly defrauded of nearly Rs 150 crore.

The investigation commenced after a senior citizen residing in Mumbai's Byculla area lodged a formal complaint regarding cyber fraud. Technical analysis of the compromised phone directed the police to the accused in Indore. Authorities alleged that the accused rented servers to host the malicious applications and sold each file for between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000.

Not yet reported: The articles do not mention specific court charges, sections cited under the law, or the ultimate judicial outcome of the case.