CBI Officer Falls Victim to Sophisticated WhatsApp APK Scam in Chandigarh
In a startling development that highlights the pervasive threat of cybercrime, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a probe after one of its own personnel was defrauded of a significant sum. The Bureau, renowned for cracking complex cyber fraud cases, is now investigating how an assistant sub-inspector became the target of a sophisticated digital con.
Details of the Fraudulent Incident
The victim, identified as Pramod Kumar, an ASI residing in Sector 29, Chandigarh, reported the crime to the CBI. According to his complaint, the sequence of events began on February 8, 2026, when he received a WhatsApp message from a contact saved in his phone. The message contained an invitation card along with an APK file attachment. Notably, while the number was familiar, it was not saved on his WhatsApp account, prompting initial caution.
On February 11, 2026, Kumar received a similar message from the same number. This time, he viewed the content but remained uncertain whether he inadvertently clicked on the APK file. Shortly afterward, he was contacted by Abhishek, son of Seema, whose phone number had been used to send the messages. Abhishek clarified that his mobile device had been hacked and he had no knowledge of the messages, having already filed a complaint with the Delhi cyber crime cell and contacted emergency services.
Unauthorized Bank Transactions Uncovered
The situation escalated rapidly when Pramod Kumar discovered two unauthorized debit transactions from his bank account on the same day, totaling Rs 69,598. The transactions were processed without any OTP (One-Time Password) being sent to his registered mobile number, raising serious questions about the security protocols. Intriguingly, he received a debit alert for only one transaction worth Rs 19,599, but not for the larger sum of Rs 49,999.
Further investigation revealed that the funds were transferred to two individuals:
- Rs 19,599 was sent to an account under the name Ramesh Halder.
- Rs 49,999 was directed to an account held by Mantu.
Kumar later realized his phone had been compromised when he noticed similar fraudulent messages circulating among his contacts on WhatsApp, indicating a broader hacking scheme.
CBI Takes Action Against Cyber Criminals
After filing a formal complaint on February 17, 2026, and verifying the facts, the CBI registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. The case has been assigned to an inspector-rank officer for a thorough inquiry. The Bureau is targeting Mantu, Ramesh Haldar, and other unknown persons involved in this elaborate cyber fraud operation.
This incident underscores the escalating sophistication of digital scams, where even law enforcement officials are not immune. It serves as a critical reminder for all citizens to exercise extreme caution with unsolicited messages and file attachments, particularly on platforms like WhatsApp.
