MIA: Criminals Stole About 3 Billion Soms Through Malicious APKs

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Five people have been detained in Tashkent on suspicion of distributing Android viruses aimed at stealing funds from citizens’ bank cards, the Ministry of Internal Affairs Cybersecurity Center reported.

According to law enforcement authorities, the perpetrators distributed malicious applications in APK format via Telegram groups. With the help of these programs, they gained access to victims’ SMS messages, contact lists, and call logs.

Searches at the suspects’ addresses and inspections of their smartphones revealed that the criminals had stolen around 3 billion soms. Preliminary data indicates that at least 133 people were affected.

The MIA noted that the criminal group involved consisted of 11 individuals from different countries. Law enforcement agencies are currently working to identify possible accomplices.

The arrests were carried out as part of the “Safe Cyberspace” operational-preventive measures. Earlier, six people had also been arrested in a case involving money laundering through cryptocurrencies for foreign betting companies.