Hyderabad Police have successfully dismantled a nationwide cyber fraud syndicate by apprehending 104 fraudsters in 16 states. The operation, named ‘Operation Octopus,’ was carried out by 32 special teams over a 10-day period, as disclosed by Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar. Led by DCP (Cybercrimes) V. Aravind Babu, the police conducted a coordinated crackdown on cybercrime syndicates operating throughout India.
The arrested individuals have connections to 1,055 cyber fraud cases reported across the country, with a total fraudulent amount estimated at around ₹127 crore, according to the Commissioner. Seizures made during the operation include 204 mobile phones, 141 SIM cards, 152 bank passbooks, 234 debit/credit cards, 26 laptops, 56 corporate/firm stamps, and ₹36 lakh in cash. The crackdown spanned across states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, and Odisha.
In response to the rising cases of investment scams, trading frauds, and ‘Digital Arrest’ scams victimizing individuals, Hyderabad Police initiated ‘Operation Octopus’ to combat these illegal activities. Through thorough investigation and forensic analysis, a network of 151 bank accounts used for money laundering was identified. The operation involved 32 Special Teams comprising experienced investigators and resulted in the arrest of 104 key individuals involved in the fraud.
One of the arrested individuals includes a Relationship Manager from Bandhan Bank, who collaborated with fraudsters to facilitate the establishment and operation of fraudulent accounts. The operation is an ongoing effort to dismantle higher levels of these syndicates, sending a strong message that all individuals involved in such crimes will face legal consequences, regardless of their status or role. The authorities emphasize that anyone aiding cybercriminals, including bank officials and mule account holders, will be strictly dealt with according to the law.
