Bhubaneswar | In a significant crackdown on cyber fraud across Odisha, the state’s police announced on Saturday that more than 500 individuals have been arrested under the ongoing operation “Cyber Kavach.” This operation is a statewide effort aimed at combating cybercrime, especially targeting individuals involved in operating mule bank accounts that facilitate online fraud.
Intensified Efforts Against Mule Bank Accounts
The primary focus of the operation has been the identification and elimination of mule bank accounts, which cyber criminals use to channel funds obtained illegally. These accounts, often opened with fraudulent identities, allow fraudsters to receive and withdraw money, making it difficult for authorities to trace the criminals behind the scams.
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Authorities confirmed that a total of 37,094 mule bank accounts have been verified as part of the investigation. These accounts were found to be directly linked to various cybercrime activities across the state. The crackdown has led to over 500 arrests, with suspects facing charges related to fraud and money laundering.
Legal Notices Served to Suspicious Account Holders
In addition to the arrests, the police have issued legal notices to 7,276 individuals and their associates suspected of involvement in operating mule accounts. These individuals are being investigated for their potential role in facilitating cyber frauds and money laundering operations.
Authorities have also registered 1,185 cybercrime cases linked to these mule accounts, highlighting the scale of the issue. The police are currently working to expand their investigation to track down more such accounts and individuals involved in illegal activities.
Campaign Against Digital Crime Involving Children
The police have also raised concerns about the increasing involvement of children in cybercrime activities, particularly those operating in the digital space. To address this growing issue, the police are planning to roll out awareness campaigns targeting schoolchildren. These campaigns will focus on internet safety, the risks of engaging in online fraud, and how to identify and report suspicious digital activities.
From February 12 to March 13, the Odisha Police launched the special campaign “Cyber Kavach,” which has proven to be successful. During this period, around 40,000 bank accounts were verified, and over 1,200 cybercrime cases were registered. More than 500 individuals have been arrested, and legal notices were served to nearly 7,000 to 8,000 people suspected of facilitating fraudulent activities.
Expanding Cyber Awareness Programs
The police announced that the state will expand its cyber awareness programs to all districts in Odisha. The initiative aims to educate the public about the risks associated with online fraud, how to protect themselves from becoming victims, and the importance of staying vigilant when conducting financial transactions online.
“We are moving towards student-focused awareness programs, which will help educate the younger generation about the dangers of online fraud. This initiative will not be confined to Bhubaneswar alone but will be extended to all districts across Odisha,” the authorities stated.
These programs will focus on educating the public about the rise of online scams, including phishing, identity theft, and financial fraud. Local communities, schools, and colleges will be engaged in spreading awareness about the best practices for protecting personal information and securing online financial transactions.
Boosting Digital Safety in Odisha
The crackdown on mule accounts and the increasing number of arrests reflect Odisha Police’s ongoing efforts to strengthen digital safety across the state. With the rise in cybercrime, authorities are taking proactive steps to ensure that individuals involved in online scams face legal action and that citizens are better informed about how to protect themselves in the digital world.
“We are committed to reducing cybercrime in Odisha and ensuring that the digital space remains safe for everyone,” said the authorities. The police plan to intensify their efforts in the coming months and remain vigilant in tackling the growing threat of cyber fraud.
This crackdown and the subsequent awareness programs aim to create a safer and more informed digital environment for the residents of Odisha. The Odisha Police’s swift action under “Cyber Kavach” has set a strong precedent in combating cybercrime and protecting the public from online fraud.
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.
