Cyber fraudsters weaponize UPCOP app, FIRs; extort lakhs, 2 held in Azamgarh

• Cyber fraudsters used the UPCOP app to download FIR copies, identifying victims for extortion.
• They obtained victim contact details through the Panchayat Raj website and village heads.
• Impersonating police, they coerced victims into sending money via QR codes, often under the guise of assisting with cases or threatening arrest.
• An inter-district gang was busted in Azamgarh, leading to the arrest of two individuals from Tikamgarh, MP.
• The arrested fraudsters had transacted approximately 20 lakh rupees and possessed fake police ID cards and downloaded FIRs on their phones.

Why It Matters: Cybercriminals exploited the UPCOP app to extort money, exposing a critical police data flaw.