Digital Deception: Massive Mobile Hacking Ring Busted

Bhayandar Police have dismantled an inter-state gang involved in extensive online fraud by hacking mobile phones via fake apps. The gang extracted bank details to buy and resell expensive phones. Eight individuals were apprehended with 107 phones, revealing a sophisticated phishing operation across multiple states.

Bhayandar Police have captured a major online fraud ring, arresting eight individuals linked to the hacking of mobile phones through deceptive applications, officials announced Wednesday.

According to a police statement, the suspects exploited fraudulent links to extract OTPs and sensitive banking details from unsuspecting victims. They then utilized this information to purchase premium mobile phones via Flipkart, subsequently reselling them. The investigation initiated when officers Sanjay Shipane and Ravindra Wagh intercepted Rinkukumar Shriramjilal Bairwa in possession of 11 high-end phones in suspicious circumstances last month.

Bairwa's crimes involved breaching victims' bank accounts to acquire devices worth Rs 4.77 lakh on Flipkart. Upon a formal complaint from InstaKart Services Pvt Ltd, a case was built revealing his connection to an inter-state network, activating phone hacks with phishing links, and techniques like call and SMS forwarding, UPI PIN capturing, and Gmail access. The coordinated arrests in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Navi Mumbai, and Bhiwandi culminated in the detention of the key suspect, Hardy alias Prince Kamlesh Sajnani, in Chhattisgarh on October 6. Authorities recovered 107 high-end phones, and additional investigations are in progress.

(With inputs from agencies.)