Surat Teen Arrested for Running AI-Powered Cyber Fraud Network Stealing Over Rs 64 Crore

SURAT, India — Police in Surat arrested an 18-year-old school dropout on Monday after dismantling a nationwide cyber fraud network that used artificial intelligence to steal banking credentials and siphon more than Rs 64 crore from victims across the country. Rohit Virendrasinh Shakya, who dropped out of Class 11, was identified as the architect behind a sophisticated scheme involving malicious mobile applications designed to drain bank accounts.

The operation, which spanned multiple states including Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Jamtara in Jharkhand, Haryana, and Rajasthan, centered on the creation and distribution of fake application packages. Shakya utilized AI tools to develop these malicious Android files, known as APKs, which were disguised as legitimate software or subscription services. Once downloaded by unsuspecting users, the applications granted remote access to victims' devices, allowing criminals to bypass security measures and transfer funds.

Surat Police stated that Shakya operated a business model where he sold this malware on a subscription basis through Telegram channels. The network functioned by connecting buyers of the software with individuals seeking to commit fraud, creating an ecosystem that facilitated large-scale financial theft without direct involvement from Shakya in every transaction. Authorities recovered digital evidence showing how the AI-generated code was customized to evade detection and mimic popular banking interfaces.

The arrest marks a significant development in the fight against technology-enabled crime, as investigators highlighted the increasing use of generative artificial intelligence by young offenders to lower the technical barrier for launching complex cyberattacks. Shakya's involvement suggests that individuals with limited formal education can now leverage advanced tools to orchestrate operations previously requiring specialized coding expertise.

While police have secured initial evidence linking Shakya to the network, investigators are still tracing the full extent of the financial losses and identifying other participants in the syndicate who purchased or utilized his software. The recovery of stolen funds remains a priority as authorities work with banking institutions across India to freeze compromised accounts.

Questions remain regarding how many individuals have been infected by the malware before its discovery and whether similar networks are operating undetected using comparable AI-driven methods. As digital forensics teams analyze seized devices, police warn that the evolution of such tools poses a growing threat to national financial security.