In an important operation, the Hyderabad Cyber Crime unit captured 37 individuals involved in cyber fraud from seven states. These suspects are linked to 86 cases, including 26 in Hyderabad alone. In January, officials managed to return Rs 71.91 lakh to victims affected by these crimes.
The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police uncovered 19 cases during their special operations. These cases include 15 related to investment fraud, two digital arrest cases, four social media fraud cases, and one each in business, gaming, and job frauds.
According to the Cyber Crime police, the suspects were involved in 86 cases across India, with bank transactions totaling about Rs 65 crores. They were linked to nine cases in Telangana, six in Andhra Pradesh, and one each in Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, Bihar, and Delhi. The police confiscated 26 mobile phones, a laptop, 57 cheque books, 79 SIM cards, 62 debit cards, 15 shell stamps, and 8 QR code scanners.
During this period, the Hyderabad Cyber Crime police received 1,706 complaints through the National Cyber Reporting Platform (NCRP), leading to 315 FIRs. The rise in FIRs is due to an initiative by C-MITRA. Additionally, 13 people involved in 13 cases were arrested nationwide by the Zonal Cyber Cells, and Rs 10,65,003 was refunded to victims.
The Cyber Crime unit urges citizens to stay cautious and avoid falling victim to online scams. They have issued advisories on recognizing fake profiles of senior government officials, fake investment groups on social media, malicious APK files, phishing links, digital arrest and impersonation scams. Quick reporting can help recover lost funds.
If you experience cyber fraud, report it immediately to help freeze and possibly recover your money. Contact the helpline at 1930 or report online at www.cybercrime.gov.in.
