Hyderabad: The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has arrested six individuals in a coordinated inter-State crackdown on multiple high-value cyber fraud cases that together caused losses exceeding ₹16 crore to victims in Hyderabad. The arrests followed simultaneous raids in Kerala and Bengaluru, uncovering a network of mule accounts used to route funds for organised cybercrime syndicates.
Investigators said the accused employed sophisticated psychological manipulation, including the now-common ‘digital arrest’ tactic, to coerce victims into transferring large sums of money. The cases primarily targeted senior citizens and businesspersons, exploiting fear, secrecy and the promise of high financial returns.
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During the operation, three accused were arrested in Kerala and three in Bengaluru. Among those arrested were five bank account holders who allegedly allowed their accounts to be used to channel fraud proceeds, and one agent who facilitated the movement of funds for international cybercrime networks. Multiple mobile phones and banking records were seized and are being analysed to trace further links.
One of the most serious cases, registered in December 2024, involved a senior citizen woman who was allegedly cheated of ₹5.66 crore. The fraud began with a phone call in which the caller impersonated officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The victim was falsely informed that her Aadhaar-linked mobile number was involved in criminal activities.
Citing a so-called ‘digital arrest’, the fraudsters placed the victim and her daughters under constant surveillance via Skype. Forged documents bearing fake CBI and RBI logos were sent to reinforce the deception. Under sustained psychological pressure, the victim transferred large sums through RTGS between November 13 and December 3, including by prematurely closing fixed deposits. The fraud came to light only when she personally visited the CBI office in Koti, Hyderabad, and discovered that all documents were fabricated.
In connection with this case, Renju Pathakku (30), a businessman from Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, was arrested for allegedly providing his company’s bank account as a mule account. Police seized a mobile phone from him during the investigation.
In another case registered on October 27, 2025, a senior citizen man was allegedly cheated of ₹7.12 crore through a similar ‘digital arrest’ scam. The fraud began with a WhatsApp call claiming to be from courier firm Blue Dart, alleging that a parcel linked to the victim contained illegal items. This was followed by calls from individuals posing as police officers, who accused him of serious offences and pressured him to transfer money while maintaining strict secrecy.
As part of the probe, two accused from Kerala — Arun Sreenivas (41), a digital marketing professional, and Sanal V. Menon (48), a banking and finance consultant — were arrested. Investigators said the two allowed their bank accounts to be used for receiving fraud proceeds in return for commission. Two mobile phones were seized from them.
The third case relates to an online trading and IPO investment fraud in which a businessman from Begumpet lost ₹3.40 crore. Police said the victim was approached on WhatsApp on October 2, 2025, by a person posing as a ‘stock market professor’, who promised high returns through investments on a purported trading platform. Initially shown small profits to build trust, the victim invested over ₹3.40 crore over a period of 22 days.
When the businessman later attempted to withdraw his funds, he was asked to deposit additional money, prompting him to lodge a complaint. Following the investigation, three accused were arrested in Bengaluru — V. Jayaprakash (43), Balaraju (51), both directors of Zip Cleaning Services Pvt Ltd, and Balaraju G. (55), a businessman. Police said the accused conspired to misuse corporate bank accounts and linked mobile phones to route money to the main fraudsters. Three mobile phones were seized, and efforts are ongoing to trace other absconding accused.
Meanwhile, TGCSB has urged citizens to remain vigilant and warned against sharing bank accounts, credentials or documents with anyone offering commission or claiming it would help avoid tax or legal trouble. Officials said such offers are a common tactic used by cyber fraud and money-laundering networks.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
