Khammam: Police bust cyber fraud racket that siphoned off ₹549.95 Cr; 18 held

Khammam: Police have unearthed a massive cyber fraud racket involving transactions worth Rs 549.95 crore, allegedly linked to fraudulent overseas call centres.

As many as 18 persons have been arrested so far, while six others involved in the organised cybercrime network are absconding.

Complaint uncovers multi-crore scam

The fraud came to light following a complaint lodged on December 24 last year by Saikiran, a resident of Tumburu village in Sathupalli mandal.

Acting on the complaint, police launched a detailed investigation that revealed a wide-ranging cyber fraud syndicate operating through multiple bank accounts.

Prime accused already in remand

Police identified Potru Manoj Kalyan, a native of Sathupalli town, as the main accused in the case. He was arrested earlier and remanded to judicial custody. Subsequent leads resulted in the arrest of 17 more accused linked to the operation.

Kingpin and core members identified

According to investigators, Praveen emerged as the kingpin of the racket. Udathaneni Vikas Chowdary, Potru Praveen and Morampdu Chenna Keshava, all natives of Khammam district, were identified as key members of the cybercrime syndicate.

Well-organised cybercrime network

Addressing the media at the V M Banjar police station, Khammam Police Commissioner Sunil Dutt said the accused were part of a highly organised cyber fraud network with international links.

“The accused lured unsuspecting individuals by offering fake jobs, business opportunities and commission-based incentives. They convinced them to open bank accounts, which were then misused to receive, transfer and launder cyber fraud proceeds,” he explained.

Money routed, converted to cryptocurrency

Police said the fraud proceeds were systematically moved across multiple accounts and a portion of the siphoned money was converted into cryptocurrency to conceal the trail and evade law enforcement agencies.

Huge transactions detected across accounts

During the investigation, police uncovered staggering financial transactions in bank accounts linked to the accused:

Rs 114.18 crore in Manoj Kalyan’s account.

Rs 45.62 crore in two accounts belonging to his wife, Bhanupriya.

Rs 135.48 crore in the account of his brother-in-law, M. Satish

Rs 81.72 crore in Nagalakshmi’s account.

Rs 92.54 crore in the account of Karimnagar-based Tatikonda Raju.

Rs 80.41 crore in Vikas’s bank account.

Manhunt for absconding accused

Police teams have been formed to trace and arrest six accused who are currently on the run. Further investigation is underway to identify additional beneficiaries, money mules and possible international operatives involved in the fraud.

Officials have urged the public to remain cautious of unsolicited job offers and online financial schemes, warning that such fraud networks continue to evolve with increasing sophistication.