Uzbekistan blocks malware APK distribution scheme

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A criminal case has been opened in Uzbekistan against an individual involved in the distribution of malicious software through the Telegram messenger, according to law enforcement authorities.

The activity was stopped during a joint operation conducted by officers of the State Security Service, the Tashkent City Internal Affairs Department, and specialists from the State Unitary Enterprise “Cybersecurity Center”.

According to the investigation, a 2005-born resident of Chirchik city in the Tashkent region independently developed malicious APK applications and distributed them via Telegram channels. The software was sold for prices ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 soums, with buyers identified among users of various accounts.

In addition to selling the applications, the suspect reportedly provided technical support to clients and advised them on how to use the malicious software.

Investigators established that the APK files enabled unauthorized access to Telegram accounts, interception of SMS messages on mobile devices, and theft of funds from payment systems.

The suspect was also identified as the administrator of more than five Telegram groups and channels where information about the capabilities of the malicious software was regularly published.

During operational measures, physical evidence was seized, including an Asus ExpertBook laptop, a Redmi Note 10 Pro smartphone, a hard drive, and two bank cards.

A criminal case has been initiated, and investigative actions are ongoing.