18-Year-Old Dropout Held as Surat Police Crack AI-Based Cyber Scam Network

Surat City Cyber Crime Cell arrested an 18-year-old Class 11 dropout for allegedly developing fake banking and government mobile applications that powered a nationwide cyber fraud network. Police identified the accused as Rohit Virendrasinh Shakya, who reportedly became a skilled coder by the age of 16. Investigators said he used artificial intelligence tools and Telegram channels to create malicious APK files that closely resembled genuine applications. He allegedly sold these applications to cybercriminal groups in Jharkhand, Haryana, and Rajasthan through a monthly subscription model for Rs 15,000.

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Surat: Fake Apps Helped Criminals Access Banking Details

According to police, the accused created two types of applications to support cyber fraud. One app targeted victims by disguising itself as a trusted banking or government application, while the second allowed fraudsters to remotely access OTPs, banking credentials, and sensitive personal information. The fake applications impersonated popular platforms, including SBI, Punjab National Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Aadhaar services, PM Kisan, BigBasket, and RTO challan portals, making them appear legitimate to unsuspecting users.

The investigation began after a Surat resident reported losing Rs 5 lakh in an online banking fraud. The victim received a fake “PNB One.apk” file through WhatsApp and mistakenly installed it, believing it to be the official banking application. Investigators said the malware immediately compromised the victim’s mobile phone, allowing cybercriminals to transfer money from his bank account. After the victim contacted the national cybercrime helpline, Surat Police registered an FIR and launched a detailed investigation.

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Digital Probe Revealed Rs 64 Crore Fraud

During the investigation, digital forensic experts discovered that the accused had allegedly developed 121 malicious APK applications. Police found that cybercriminals installed these apps on more than 21,000 mobile phones across India, while nearly 3,000 devices were fully compromised. Investigators linked the operation to over 54,000 fraudulent banking transactions worth approximately Rs 64.38 crore. Officials said fake RTO challan, SBI, and Punjab National Bank applications accounted for the majority of the fraud cases.

Police seized two mobile phones and a laptop from the accused during his arrest in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Digital forensic teams are examining the devices to identify additional evidence and possible accomplices. Investigators believe more cybercrime syndicates may have used the subscription-based malware service and are working to uncover the network’s full extent. Authorities have urged citizens to download applications only from official app stores and verify every banking app before installation to protect themselves from online fraud.

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