Hyderabad: Cyber Crime Police intensify crackdown against digital fraud; arrest 48 from 8 states

The accused were allegedly involved in a wide range of cybercrime activities, including impersonation, investment scams, and digital arrest fraud. In a major relief to victims, the police also facilitated the recovery and refund of Rs 2.21 crore.

Surge in complaints prompts crackdown

During July, a total of 301 complaints were received through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). Out of these, 179 complaints were formally registered in the Cyber Crime Police Stations of Hyderabad, while 90 FIRs were filed at local police stations with support from Zonal Cyber Crime Coordinators.

The increasing volume of complaints led to a series of well-coordinated operations by cyber teams across multiple states.

48 offenders linked to 415 cases Nationwide

The 48 individuals arrested during the operations were found to be involved in 415 criminal cases across India, including 78 cases in Telangana.

The accused were operating in organized cybercrime networks and were responsible for defrauding people through various fraudulent schemes.

The arrests were categorized into specific crime modules such as digital arrest scams, investment and trading frauds, and miscellaneous cybercrimes.

Incriminating evidence seized

The crackdown also resulted in significant seizures of digital and financial evidence. Among the items recovered were 89 mobile phones, 94 debit cards, 56 cheque books, 25 SIM cards, 39 bank passbooks, along with 3 laptops, 2 tablets, 12 shell company stamps, and Rs 1 lakh in cash.

These items were used by the accused to create fake identities, conduct online transactions, and mislead their victims.

Rs 2.21 Cr refunded to fraud victims

As part of the department’s commitment to victim support, the Cyber Crime Police successfully processed refunds totaling Rs 2,21,70,130.

These refunds covered 32 resolved cases involving multiple types of fraud. The highest recovery was in impersonation cases, with refunds amounting to Rs 1.42 crore across three complaints.

Investment scams accounted for over Rs 51.5 lakh, while trading frauds, credit card scams, and other types of cyber fraud made up the rest.

Key cases busted

In one of the notable cases, a victim lost Rs 7.27 lakh in an online trading platform scam. The accused lured the individual with fake profits and demanded additional payments in the name of taxes.

In another high-profile case, fraudsters posing as representatives of a Hong Kong-based import-export firm duped a businessman of Rs 1.11 crore under the pretext of logistics and customs charges. Another victim fell prey to a fake WhatsApp investment group, losing Rs 79 lakh after being promised 890% returns.

In a disturbing case of impersonation, a senior citizen was falsely accused of human trafficking by individuals pretending to be CBI officers. She was coerced into transferring Rs 40.5 lakh before police intervention helped recover her funds.

Public Advisory: Stay vigilant against Cybercrime

The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have issued a strong advisory urging the public to remain cautious of online scams.

Citizens are advised to ignore calls on WhatsApp or Skype claiming to be from CBI, ED, RBI, or other enforcement agencies. No government agency ever conducts arrests or money collection through such calls.

People are also warned not to click on unknown links or install unofficial APK files received through SMS or messaging apps. Such actions can result in the theft of personal and financial information.

Additionally, investment offers shared on WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media groups promising guaranteed profits are often fraudulent. Officials urge the public to invest only through SEBI-registered platforms.

Timely reporting can prevent financial loss

Police emphasized that immediate reporting of suspicious digital activity can make a crucial difference. Prompt complaints allow cyber teams to freeze fraudulent accounts and recover stolen money.

Citizens are encouraged to report incidents by calling the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in.

The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police reaffirmed their commitment to tackling digital fraud and ensuring justice for victims, urging the public to stay alert and report crimes without delay.