#FactCheck-False Claim Links PM Modi to 320 Visits to Epstein Island

Executive Summary

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A video is being widely shared on social media amid claims that the BJP has formed a government in West Bengal. The video shows several people being taken away in a bus while their family members are seen crying and grieving nearby. Users sharing the clip claim that the scene is from West Bengal, where the BJP government has allegedly started sending back Bangladeshis who were living illegally in the state.

Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found the viral claim to be misleading. The research revealed that the viral video has no connection with West Bengal. The video is actually from Assam’s Barpeta district, where in 2024, a Foreigners Tribunal declared 28 people as non-citizens. Following the order, authorities shifted them to a transit camp. The viral clip is from that incident. An old and unrelated video is now being falsely shared as a recent incident from West Bengal.

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Claim

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On May 14, 2026, a Facebook user shared the viral video and wrote, “How sad… Opposition voters are now being packed off to the Bangladesh border from Bengal and Assam. How will they ever win now? Really terrible what is happening to these poor people.” The post link, archive link, and screenshot are provided below.

• https://www.facebook.com/rajendra.kasliwal1/posts/973081982000168/
• https://archive.ph/y7Y4D

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Another user also shared the same viral video on social media with a similar claim. The post link, archive link, and screenshot are given below.

• https://www.facebook.com/reel/1358585749661286
• https://archive.ph/nsHdb 

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Fact Check

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To verify the authenticity of the viral video, we extracted several key frames and performed a reverse image search. During the research, we found the same video uploaded on a YouTube channel named Daily Salar Digital on September 5, 2024. The link to the post and its screenshot are given below.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OQdBnGQdYI 

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Further research led us to a report published by IndiaTodayNE on September 3, 2024, carrying a similar description of the incident. The post link and screenshot are provided below.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMxjyrhFwXQ

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Conclusion

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Our research found that the viral video has no connection with West Bengal. The clip is from Assam’s Barpeta district, where in 2024, 28 people were declared non-citizens by a Foreigners Tribunal and later shifted to a transit camp by authorities. The video being shared online is from that incident. An old and unrelated video is being falsely circulated as a recent development from West Bengal.

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Introduction:

A new Android malware called NGate is capable of stealing money from payment cards through relaying the data read by the Near Field Communication (“NFС”) chip to the attacker’s device. NFC  is a device which allows  devices such as smartphones to communicate over a short distance wirelessly.  In particular, NGate allows forging the victims’ cards and, therefore, performing fraudulent purchases or withdrawing money from ATMs. . 

 About NGate Malware: 

The whole purpose of NGate malware is to target victims’ payment cards by relaying the NFC data to the attacker’s device. The malware is designed to take advantage of phishing tactics and functionality of the NFC on android based devices. 

Modus Operandi: 

• Phishing Campaigns: The first step is spoofed emails or SMS used to lure the users into installing the  Progressive Web Apps (“PWAs”) or the WebAPKs presented as genuine banking applications. These apps usually have a layout and logo that makes them look like an authentic app of a Targeted Bank which makes them believable. 

• Installation of NGate: When the victim downloads the specific app, he or she is required to input personal details including account numbers and PIN numbers. Users are also advised to turn on or install  NFC on their gadgets and place the payment cards to the back part of the phone to scan the cards. 

• NFCGate Component: One of the main working features of the NGate is the NFCGate, an application created and designed by some students of Technical University of Darmstadt. This tool allows the malware to:
  • • Collect NFC traffic from payment cards in the vicinity. 
    • Transmit, or relay this data to the attacker’s device through a server. 
    • Repeat data that has been previously intercepted or otherwise copied.

It is important to note that some aspects of NFCGate mandate a rooted device; however, forwarding NFC traffic can occur with devices that are not rooted, and therefore can potentially ensnare more victims. ‍

Technical Mechanism of Data Theft:

• Data Capture: The malware exploits the NFC communication feature on android devices and reads the information from the payment card, if the card is near the infected device. It is able to intercept and capture the sensive card details.  

• Data Relay: The stolen information  is transmitted through a server to the attacker’s device so that he/she is in a position to mimic the victim’s card. 

• Unauthorized Transactions: Attackers get access to spend money on the merchants or withdraw money from the ATM that has NFC enabled. This capability marks a new level of Android malware in that the hackers are able to directly steal money without having to get hold of the card. 

Social Engineering Tactics: 

In most cases, attackers use social engineering techniques to obtain more information from the target before implementing the attack. In the second phase, attackers may pretend to be representatives of a bank that there is a problem with the account and offer to download a program called NGate, which in fact is a Trojan under the guise of an application for confirming the security of the account. This method makes it possible for the attackers to get ITPIN code from the sides of the victim, which enables them to withdraw money from the targeted person’s account without authorization. 

 Technical Analysis:

The analysis of malicious file hashes and phishing links are below:

Malicious File Hashes:

csob_smart_klic.apk:

• MD5: 7225ED2CBA9CB6C038D8
• Classification: Android/Spy.NGate.B

csob_smart_klic.apk:

• MD5: 66DE1E0A2E9A421DD16B
• Classification: Android/Spy.NGate.C

george_klic.apk:

• MD5: DA84BC78FF2117DDBFDC
• Classification: Android/Spy.NGate.C

george_klic-0304.apk:

• MD5: E7AE59CD44204461EDBD
• Classification: Android/Spy.NGate.C

rb_klic.apk:

• MD5: 103D78A180EB973B9FFC
• Classification: Android/Spy.NGate.A

rb_klic.apk:

• MD5: 11BE9715BE9B41B1C852
• Classification: Android/Spy.NGate.C.

Phishing URLs:

Phishing URL: 

• https://client.nfcpay.workers[.]dev/?key=8e9a1c7b0d4e8f2c5d3f6b2

Additionally, several distinct phishing websites have been identified, including:

• rb.2f1c0b7d.tbc-app[.]life
• geo-4bfa49b2.tbc-app[.]life
• rb-62d3a.tbc-app[.]life
• csob-93ef49e7a.tbc-app[.]life
• george.tbc-app[.]life.

Analysis:

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Broader Implications of NGate: 

The ultramodern features of NGate mean that its manifestation is not limited to financial swindling. An attacker can also generate a copy of NFC access cards and get  full access when hacking into restricted areas, for example, the corporate offices or restricted facility. Moreover, it is also safe to use the capacity to capture and analyze NFC traffic as threats to identity theft and other forms of cyber-criminality. 

Precautionary measures to be taken:

To protect against NGate and similar threats, users should consider the following strategies:

• Disable NFC: As mentioned above, NFC should be not often used, it is safe to turn NFC on Android devices off. This perhaps can be done from the general control of the device in which the bursting modes are being set. 

• Scrutinize App Permissions: Be careful concerning the permission that applies to the apps that are installed particularly the ones allowed to access the device. Hence, it is very important that applications should be downloaded only from genuine stores like Google Play Store only. 

• Use Security Software: The malware threat can be prevented by installing relevant security applications that are available in the market. 

• Stay Informed: As it has been highlighted, it is crucial for a person to know risks that are associated with the use of NFC while attempting to safeguard an individual’s identity. 

Conclusion: 

The presence of malware such as NGate is proof of the dynamism of threats in the context of mobile payments. Through the utilization of NFC function, NGate is a marked step up of Android malware implying that the attackers can directly manipulate the cash related data of the victims regardless of the physical aspect of the payment card. This underscores the need to be careful when downloading applications and to be keen on the permission one grants on the application. Turn NFC when not in use, use good security software and be aware of  the latest scams are some of the measures that help to fight this high level of financial fraud. The  attackers are now improving their methods. It is only right for the people and companies to take the right steps in avoiding the breach of privacy and identity theft.

Reference:

• https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/eset-research/ngate-android-malware-relays-nfc-traffic-to-steal-cash/
• https://therecord.media/android-malware-atm-stealing-czech-banks
• https://www.darkreading.com/mobile-security/nfc-traffic-stealer-targets-android-users-and-their-banking-info
• https://cybersecuritynews.com/new-ngate-android-malware/

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Introduction

The recent events in Mira Road, a bustling suburb on the outskirts of Mumbai, India, unfold like a modern-day parable, cautioning us against the perils of unverified digital content. The Mira Road incident, a communal clash that erupted into the physical realm, has been mirrored and magnified through the prism of social media. The Maharashtra Police, in a concerted effort to quell the spread of discord, issued stern warnings against the dissemination of rumours and fake messages. These digital phantoms, they stressed, have the potential to ignite law and order conflagrations, threatening the delicate tapestry of peace.

The police's clarion call came in the wake of a video, mischievously edited, that falsely claimed anti-social elements had set the Mira Road railway station ablaze. This digital doppelgänger of reality swiftly went viral, its tendrils reaching into the ubiquitous realm of WhatsApp, ensnaring the unsuspecting in its web of deceit.

In this age of information overload, where the line between fact and fabrication blurs, the police urged citizens to exercise discernment. The note they issued was not merely an advisory but a plea for vigilance, a reminder that the act of sharing unauthenticated messages is not a passive one; it is an act that can disturb the peace and unravel the fabric of society.

The Massacre 

The police's response to this crisis was multifaceted. Administrators and members of social media groups found to be the harbingers of such falsehoods would face legal repercussions. The Thane District, a mosaic of cultural and religious significance, has been marred by a series of violent incidents, casting a shadow over its storied history. The police, in their role as guardians of order, have detained individuals, scoured social media for inauthentic posts, and maintained a vigilant presence in the region.

The Maharashtra cyber cell, a digital sentinel, has unearthed approximately 15 posts laden with videos and messages designed to sow discord among the masses. These findings were shared with the Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar (MBVV) police, who stand ready to take appropriate action. Inspector General Yashasvi Yadav of the Maharashtra cyber cell issued an appeal to the public, urging them to refrain from circulating such unverified messages, reinforcing the notion that the propagation of inauthentic information is, in itself, a crime.

The MBVV police, in their zero-tolerance stance, have formed a team dedicated to scrutinizing social media posts. The message is clear: fake news will be met with strict action. The right to free speech on social media comes with the responsibility not to share information that could incite mischief. The Indian Penal Code and Information Technology Act serve as the bulwarks against such transgressions.

The Aftermath 

In the aftermath of the clashes, the police have worked tirelessly to restore calm. A young man, whose video replete with harsh and obscene language went viral, was apprehended and has since apologised for his actions. The MBVV police have also taken to social media to reassure the public that the situation is under control, urging them to avoid circulating messages that could exacerbate tensions.

The Thane district has witnessed acts of vandalism targeting shops, further escalating tensions. In response, the police have apprehended individuals linked to these acts, hoping that such measures will expedite the return of peace. Advisories have been issued, warning against the dissemination of provocative messages and rumours.

In total, 19 individuals have been taken into custody in relation to numerous incidents of violence. The Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar police have underscored their commitment to legal action against those who spread rumours through fake messages. The authorities have also highlighted the importance of brotherhood and unity, reminding citizens that above all, they are Indians first.

Conclusion 

In a world where old videos, stripped of context, can fuel tensions, the police have issued a note referring to the aforementioned fake video message. They urge citizens to exercise caution, to neither believe nor circulate such messages. Police Authorities have assured that no one involved in the violence will be spared, and peace committees are being convened to restore harmony. The Mira Road incident serves as a sign of the prowess of information and responsibility that comes with it. In the digital age, where the ephemeral and the eternal collide, we must navigate the waters of truth with care. Ultimately, it is not just the image of a locality that is at stake, but the essence of our collective humanity.

References 

• https://youtu.be/gK2Ac1qP-nE?feature=shared
• https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-crime-news/article/mira-road-communal-clash-those-spreading-fake-messages-to-face-strict-action-say-mira-bhayandar-vasai-virar-cops-23331572
• https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mira-road-communal-clash-cybercops-on-alert-for-fake-clips-23331653
• https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2024/01/24/bom43-mh-shops-3rdld-vandalism.html

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