Faridabad. In a significant crackdown on rising cybercrime, police in Faridabad have arrested 33 accused within a span of one week as part of a focused anti-fraud operation. The action, carried out between April 25 and May 1, led to the recovery of more than ₹32.66 lakh in cash from individuals allegedly involved in multiple cyber fraud cases. Additionally, authorities managed to freeze over ₹6.51 lakh in various bank accounts, preventing further diversion of defrauded funds.
₹32.66 Lakh Cash Recovered, Bank Accounts Frozen
According to officials, the arrests were made based on complaints registered at various cyber police stations across the city. Investigations linked to at least seven cases under the Cyber Police Station NIT and Central Zone resulted in the identification and apprehension of the accused. Police teams relied heavily on technical evidence, including digital footprints, banking transaction trails, and mobile data analysis, to track down the suspects.
The accused, identified as Sumit, Manvendra, Rajkumar, Vikas Chaudhary, Vijay Pandey, Shivam Tiwari, Sahil Parizada, Chirag, Amit, Lakshya Saini, Manoj, Ajay Singh, Satendra Singh, Shankar Lakhara, Bhairulal Dhobi, Yuvraj Khoiwal, Himanshu, Harish Kumar, Minarul Haq, Anil, Laxman, Manish, Mohammad Junaid, Sajid Khan, Lokesh Kumar, Hari Pawan, Mohan Kumar, Sonu Kataria, Karan, Akash, and Tushar among others, were found to be operating in different modules of cyber fraud networks.
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Fake Calls, OTP Traps, and Mule Accounts Exposed
Preliminary investigation suggests that the accused used a variety of methods to target victims, including fake phone calls, social media traps, fraudulent investment schemes, and impersonation tactics. In several cases, they posed as bank officials, company representatives, or financial advisors to extract sensitive information such as OTPs, bank details, and login credentials from unsuspecting individuals.
Authorities also revealed that many of the accused used “mule accounts” to rapidly transfer stolen funds across multiple bank accounts, making it difficult to trace the transaction trail. In addition, fake SIM cards and forged identity documents were used to conceal identities and avoid detection, further complicating the investigation.
626 Complaints Resolved In Week-Long Cyber Blitz
During the same period, police teams resolved 626 cybercrime complaints, underscoring the scale and intensity of the operation. Officials stated that with the rising number of cyber fraud cases, dedicated cyber units have been strengthened and equipped with advanced technical tools to respond more effectively.
Cybercrime experts believe that such coordinated enforcement actions not only disrupt criminal networks but also serve as a strong deterrent. They point out that fraudsters are continuously evolving their techniques, making public awareness a crucial line of defense.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said, “Cyber criminals today operate through multi-layered networks where each individual handles a specific role. They use mule accounts, fake SIMs, and digital platforms to move money quickly, making it extremely difficult for investigators to trace transactions in real time.”
More Arrests Likely As Digital Trail Widens
He further advised citizens to remain cautious while dealing with unknown calls, messages, or online offers. “People should verify the authenticity of any financial request or investment opportunity before proceeding. Sharing banking details without verification can lead to significant losses,” he added.
Police have urged the public to avoid falling for lucrative offers or suspicious schemes and to report any instance of cyber fraud immediately. Victims can contact the national cyber helpline at 1930 or file complaints through the official portal www.cybercrime.gov.in for prompt action.
Investigations are currently underway, with authorities examining the digital devices, financial links, and communication networks of the arrested individuals. Officials believe that further interrogation may lead to the identification of additional members involved in the broader network.
With more arrests likely in the coming days, law enforcement agencies hope to dismantle a larger cyber fraud syndicate and prevent similar crimes in the future.
