Hyderabad: Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police intensified their crackdown on online fraud during May 2026 and arrested 74 accused involved in cybercrime cases across the country.
A major breakthrough came through Operation Octopus–3.0, which targeted a nationwide Ghost SIM network allegedly used in digital arrest scams, sextortion cases and financial frauds.
Police registered 54 FIRs during the month as part of the intensified enforcement drive.
Ghost SIM network dismantled in nationwide operation
Operation Octopus–3.0 led to the arrest of 66 accused linked to the illegal network.
The arrested individuals included Ghost SIM holders, point-of-sale agents and suppliers operating across multiple states.
Police arrested 19 accused in Telangana and 16 in Andhra Pradesh.
They also arrested six accused in Karnataka.
Furthermore, the operation resulted in arrests in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Odisha.
Investigators said the network allegedly supplied SIM cards for cybercrime activities across the country.
Ghost SIM network linked to cyber fraud cases
Investment fraud accounted for the highest number of arrests during May.
Meanwhile, police also registered cases involving matrimonial fraud, trading fraud, OTP scams and social media-related cybercrimes.
During investigations, officers seized 43 mobile phones, 32 SIM cards and 19 laptops.
They also recovered several banking documents connected to cybercrime operations.
In addition, authorities secured refunds of more than Rs 68.27 lakh for victims in 25 cyber fraud cases.
Those cases involved reported losses exceeding Rs 10 crore.
Ghost SIM network crackdown targets illegal content
As part of cyber patrol activities, Hyderabad Police identified and removed 251 social media profiles linked to illegal online activities.
Officials also facilitated the removal of 304 paid advertisements promoting illegal betting, online gaming and fake investment schemes.
Cyber Crime Police urged citizens to remain vigilant against fake investment offers, digital arrest scams, malicious APK files and fraudulent social media accounts.
They also advised victims to report cyber fraud immediately through the national cyber helpline 1930 or the Cyber Crime portal.