Operation Octopus: Hyderabad police bust Rs 127 crore cyber scam network, 104 arrested

Hyderabad: The city police have arrested 104 persons across 16 states under a nationwide operation codenamed ‘Operation Octopus’. The accused are allegedly linked to 1,055 cyber fraud cases involving an estimated Rs 127 crore.

Operation Octopus by Hyderabad police across 16 states

The massive operation targeted organised syndicates engaged in investment scams, trading frauds and so-called ‘digital arrest’ scams that have duped victims across the country.

A total of 32 special teams, each led by an Inspector-rank officer, were deployed simultaneously across Maharashtra, Delhi, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand and Odisha over a span of 10 days.

Police said the teams coordinated closely with local law enforcement agencies to conduct precision raids at identified cybercrime hotspots.

151 bank accounts used to launder fraud proceeds

Following intensive investigation and forensic analysis, the Cyber Crime Police Station (CCPS), Hyderabad, identified a network of 151 bank accounts allegedly used to siphon and layer victims’ funds.

The arrested individuals were found to be key players in operating and facilitating these accounts.

Relationship Manager from Bandhan Bank among arrested

Mule Account Holders (86): Individuals who permitted their bank accounts to be used for laundering fraud money.

Account suppliers/aggregators (17): Middlemen who procured and supplied bank accounts to fraud masterminds.

Bank Official (1): A Relationship Manager from Bandhan Bank was arrested for allegedly colluding with fraudsters in opening and operating fraudulent accounts.

Police described the involvement of a banking official as a ‘serious case of insider complicity’.

Seizures worth lakhs

During the raids, police seized substantial incriminating material, including:

- 204 mobile phones

- 141 SIM cards

- 152 bank passbooks

- 234 debit/credit cards

- 26 laptops

- 56 corporate/firm stamps

- Rs 36 lakh in cash

Officials said the scale of recoveries indicates the organised and structured nature of the fraud network.

Linked to 1,055 cases nationwide

According to investigators, the arrested accused are connected to 1,055 cybercrime cases registered across India, involving fraud amounting to approximately Rs 127 crore.

Police said the operation is ongoing and efforts are underway to trace the masterminds and dismantle higher levels of the syndicates.

Zero tolerance against cybercrime

Commissioner of Police VC Sajjanar, IPS, stated that cybercrime is not merely a financial offence but a serious threat that destabilises families and undermines socio-economic security.

He reiterated that Hyderabad Police have adopted a zero-tolerance policy and warned that anyone — including bank officials and account holders — found aiding cybercriminals will face strict legal action.

The operation was spearheaded by DCP (Cybercrimes) V Aravind Babu, IPS, under the supervision of CP Sajjanar, IPS, and Joint Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) SM Vijay Kumar, IPS.

Public Advisory: How to prevent and report cyber fraud

1. Precautionary measures

Beware of ‘Guaranteed Returns’: Verify investment platforms with SEBI before investing. Avoid unsolicited WhatsApp or Telegram trading groups.

‘Digital Arrest’ Scams: No law enforcement agency conducts arrests or interrogations via video calls or demands money transfers for verification.

Protect Personal Data: Never share OTPs or download remote-access apps like AnyDesk or TeamViewer at the request of strangers.

Do Not Lend Bank Accounts: Renting or lending your bank account for transactions makes you legally liable.

2. Immediate steps for victims

If you suspect cyber fraud:

- Act Within the ‘Golden Hour’: Report within 1–2 hours to increase chances of freezing funds.

- Call 1930 for the national cybercrime helpline.

- File Complaint Online: www.cybercrime.gov.in

- Approach Police: Visit the nearest Cyber Crime Police Station or local police station to file an FIR.

- Use C-Mitra Services: For convenient e-FIR filing.

Hyderabad City Police affirmed that Operation Octopus will continue as a sustained initiative to dismantle cybercrime networks and ensure a safer digital environment for citizens.