Telangana Cyber Bureau Busts Major Cybercrime Operation
In a significant crackdown, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has arrested 21 individuals involved in cybercrimes, including eight agents operating across the state. During the operation, authorities seized mobile phones, SIM cards, bank account passbooks, and debit cards from the offenders.
The arrested individuals include Ramesh Kumar (Katedan), Haroon Khan (Kishanbagh), Shaik Mateen (Charminar), Mirza Hyder Askari (Charminar), Mohd Dastagir Farhan (Chandrayangutta), Noor Jahan (Jahanuma), Mujahed Hussain (Moula Ali), Mohd Rahmathulllah (Golconda), Durga Prasad (Uppal), Thirumala Subhash (Malkajgiri), Mohd Salman (Chandrayangutta), Sankendla Raju (Karimnagar), and Mohd Sumairuddin (Falaknuma). The agents arrested include Mujtaba Ali (Moula Ali), Jafer Ali (Charminar), Mohd Masood (Falaknuma), Ahmed Raza (Charminar), Mamidipalli Prasad, Asthapuram Vishnu, Vemula Akkanna, and Donthasarapu Anil, all from Karimnagar.
According to the TGCSB, the arrests followed an extensive technical analysis of cybercrime data and thorough field investigations. The operation was conducted across Hyderabad, Cyberabad, Rachakonda, Karimnagar, and Jagatiyal. The arrested individuals are linked to 25 cybercrime cases in Telangana and 73 cases nationwide, involving frauds like business investments, part-time jobs, digital frauds, KYC scams, and matrimonial frauds. They also have criminal connections with 714 cybercrime suspects across the country.
Out of the 21 arrested, 13 were found using their bank accounts to withdraw money obtained through cybercrimes, with a total of ₹8.2 crore withdrawn. These individuals then handed the money to higher-level agents. The remaining eight accused acted as intermediaries, collecting the withdrawn funds and transferring them to foreign counterparts using cryptocurrency.
Shikha Goel, Director of the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau, stated that the agents had links to 325 cybercrime hotspots across India. Some suspects operating from foreign countries have also been identified. Investigators have traced five cryptocurrency wallets linked to the crimes and are working to track the flow of the stolen money.
The arrested individuals have been handed over to local police units for further investigation and legal action. The TGCSB continues its efforts to dismantle cybercrime networks operating both within and outside the country.
