How the digital arrest scam operated: from fake loans to crypto transfers

According to investigators, the fraudsters first targeted individuals seeking online loans. Victims were directed to a fictitious finance company called Neo Finance and asked to submit documents. They were then instructed to download a fake app called PushBullet from the Play Store, which required a user ID and password. Once installed, the criminals gained remote access to the victim’s phone, withdrew the loan‑related money obtained through the digital‑arrest scheme, and funneled it into the suspects’ bank accounts. Large‑scale bulk transfers moved the funds to other accounts, effectively laundering the money and making it appear as legitimate loan disbursements.