Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Officers of the Department for Combating Cybercrime in Bukhara Region have uncovered a criminal scheme in which participants distributed malicious APK files through Telegram to gain access to citizens’ banking data.
According to the preliminary investigation, the scheme was organized by a young man under the age of 20 from Samarkand Region. He allegedly recruited accomplices from different regions of Uzbekistan to participate in the criminal activity.
The suspects used remotely controlled Telegram accounts to send citizens malicious applications. After the APK files were installed, the perpetrators gained access to users’ banking data and SMS codes required to confirm money transfers.
The stolen funds were subsequently transferred through numerous transit bank cards registered in the names of other individuals. Law enforcement authorities also said that fake accounts were used, with their nominal owners unaware of what was happening.
During operational and technical measures, investigators seized dozens of bank cards and SIM cards, as well as specialized mobile devices, from the detainees as evidence. According to the investigation, the items had been used as part of the group’s prolonged criminal activity.
More than 60 people across Uzbekistan have been affected by the group’s actions. A criminal case has been opened against the suspect under paragraph “b” of Part 3 of Article 169 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan.
Investigators are currently identifying all individuals who may have been involved in the group’s activities. Measures are also being taken to hold those responsible accountable and restore the rights of the victims.
Law enforcement authorities urged citizens not to download or install APK files from unknown sources and to exercise caution when receiving messages and files through social networks.
