Hyderabad: The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) arrested 81 people, including 7 women, in a 25-day cybercrime operation. The crackdown spanned Kerala, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
TGCSB led this multi-state action, which officials described as the first of its kind in India. The bureau targeted online fraud networks, acting under its zero-tolerance policy towards cybercrime.
Officers identified 17 of the accused as agents and 11 others for handling cash and cheque withdrawals worth Rs. 34,70,900. Another 53 served as mule account holders, earning commissions from illegal transactions. Police seized 84 mobile phones, 101 SIM cards, and 89 bank passbooks and cheque books.
TGCSB cybercrime crackdown reveals deep professional links
Investigators traced links to 754 cases nationwide, with 128 linked to Telangana. The fraud uncovered in this operation totals around Rs. 95 crore.
The accused included professionals from various fields. Three were bank employees—one from IDFC Bank, one from Federal Bank, and a Branch Manager from Bandhan Bank. Others included an MNC employee who misused his corporate account, a BBA graduate, and a Chennai-based accountant.
Twelve suspects were linked to more than 30 cases each. Another 54 were involved in over five cybercrime cases. TGCSB also uncovered international links. Authorities have issued Look-Out Circulars against foreign-based suspects.
All 81 arrests relate to 41 cases registered under TGCSB’s seven Cyber Crime Police Stations (CCPS). Officers froze multiple bank accounts and began refund procedures with financial institutions.