Hyderabad police have made a significant breakthrough in cracking down on cybercrime activities with the recent arrest of 23 offenders in a multi-state operation. The arrests were made in different parts of the country, including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. These offenders were found to be involved in a total of 30 cases in Telangana and a staggering 359 cases across India.
In response to the rising number of cyber fraud cases, Deputy Commissioner of Police for Cyber Crimes, Dara Kavitha, highlighted the efforts undertaken by the Cyber Crime Police Station in Hyderabad to combat cybercrime. The operations involved five specialized teams that targeted various modus operandi used by cyber criminals to perpetrate financial frauds on a large scale. These criminals were exploiting vulnerabilities in systems to carry out fraudulent activities such as investment scams, digital arrest schemes, trading frauds, job scams, and APK file frauds. The victims of these crimes collectively lost approximately Rs 5.30 crore.
During the operations, the police seized a variety of items including Rs 40,000 in cash, 25 mobile phones, 45 SIM cards, 29 bank passbooks/chequebooks, 23 debit and credit cards, a laptop, three QR code scanners, and five shell company stamps. The efforts of the police teams involved close coordination with law enforcement units in different states to track down and apprehend the accused individuals. Detailed intelligence and advanced investigative techniques played a crucial role in uncovering the networks behind these fraudulent schemes.
According to DCP Dara Kavitha, special attention was given to identifying and arresting key players such as bank officials, Mule Bank Account Suppliers, and masterminds who facilitated these fraudulent activities. As a result of the police intervention, Rs 39 lakh has been refunded to the victims in three separate cases. These operations not only led to the recovery of significant assets and financial instruments but also dismantled organized fraud syndicates, providing justice to victims across the country.
In light of these developments, the Cyber Crime Police has issued a warning to citizens to exercise caution when dealing with individuals on social media platforms who promise lucrative investment opportunities or high returns on small investments. They also advised the public to be vigilant and wary of unknown calls or messages, urging them to verify claims by visiting their nearest police station. Law enforcement agencies never issue digital arrests or demand money to prove innocence, the police emphasized.
The crackdown on cybercrime activities by the Hyderabad police serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by cyber fraudsters and the importance of remaining vigilant in the digital age. Through strategic operations and collaborative efforts across state boundaries, law enforcement authorities are working tirelessly to safeguard citizens from falling victim to online scams and financial frauds. As technology continues to advance, staying informed and cautious is key to protecting oneself from cyber threats.