Hyderabad Police Bust Nationwide Cyber Fraud Network Arrest 104 in Multi-State Sweep

Hyderabad, February 24, 2026: In one of its largest coordinated actions against online financial fraud, the Hyderabad Police has arrested 104 people linked to a sprawling cybercrime network operating across India. The crackdown, carried out under “Operation Octopus,” spanned 16 states and targeted individuals accused of siphoning off crores of rupees from unsuspecting victims.

Police said the accused were connected to 1,055 cybercrime complaints registered nationwide, involving an estimated fraud of ₹127 crore. Investigators uncovered the use of 151 bank accounts that were allegedly created and operated to channel stolen funds.

Among those arrested are 86 mule account holders who allowed their bank accounts to be used for illegal transactions. Seventeen others acted as account suppliers or aggregators, serving as intermediaries who arranged and managed these accounts for the main operators. One relationship manager from a private bank was also taken into custody for allegedly assisting the network in opening and handling fraudulent accounts.

Officials noted a sharp rise in cases involving fake investment schemes, trading scams, and so-called “digital arrest” frauds. Victims were lured with promises of high returns or threatened with fabricated legal consequences, resulting in substantial financial losses.

Recognising the scale and organisation of these crimes, the Cyber Crime Police Station in Hyderabad initiated an in-depth probe that eventually led to the nationwide operation.

A total of 32 specialised police teams were formed to execute coordinated raids over a period of 10 days. Operations were simultaneously conducted in Maharashtra, Delhi, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand and Odisha.

The effort resulted in the seizure of 204 mobile phones, 141 SIM cards, 152 bank passbooks, 234 debit and credit cards, 26 laptops, 56 corporate stamps and ₹36 lakh in cash.

Police officials said the operation is ongoing and efforts are now focused on identifying and dismantling the higher-level masterminds behind the syndicate. Authorities issued a stern warning that anyone found aiding cybercriminals, including bank staff or account holders who knowingly facilitate fraud, will face strict legal action.

The crackdown sends a strong signal that law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to curb the growing menace of cybercrime across the country.