Kolkata’s cyber cops struck gold on January 24, apprehending five fraudsters running a high-tech theft racket via fake social media links. The gang’s toolkit—laptops, phones, routers, and damning evidence—was confiscated during a daring raid.
It all began with a December 19 FIR at the Cyber Police Station. Clues from prior arrests and sharp intel pinpointed a hideout in Maheshtala. The team swooped in, cuffing Abhimanyu Kumar (22), Sejen Phillips (22), Mohammad Samar (20), Neeraj Kumar (28), and Mohammad Imran (19)—a motley crew hailing from Bihar, Maharashtra, and beyond.
These operators were no lone wolves; they formed part of a coordinated syndicate. Their modus operandi? Engineering malicious APK files peddled through deceptive social media ads and messages. A single click installed the trojan, handing over full device control to the crooks.
From there, it was open season on victims’ finances. Hackers rifled through banking apps, stole UPI credentials and OTPs, then quietly drained accounts into a web of mule accounts. Many victims remained oblivious until their balances hit zero.
The haul from the raid underscores the scale: 10 laptops, 24 phones, routers, and screenshots exposing their digital footprint. As probes deepen, connections to a broader criminal network emerge. This case exposes how everyday social media lures are weaponized for financial plunder.
In an era of rampant digital dependency, vigilance is key. Kolkata Police’s success boosts confidence, but experts warn of escalating cyber threats demanding smarter user awareness and robust law enforcement.
