Noida: Uttar Pradesh Police have launched a major crackdown on organised cybercrime under the statewide ‘Operation Cy-Vajra-1’, dismantling 17 illegal call centres across the state. The largest action was carried out in the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissionerate, where eight fraudulent call centres were raided and 49 accused were booked. Preliminary investigations indicate that the network may have direct or indirect links to cyber-enabled financial frauds exceeding ₹60 crore, with investigators continuing to trace the wider criminal ecosystem.
According to police officials, the week-long operation was conducted on the directions of the Director General of Police and involved coordinated intelligence gathering, digital surveillance and field verification. In Gautam Buddh Nagar, cyber police questioned and verified more than 700 individuals while identifying suspected operators involved in organised cyber fraud activities.
Investigators said a major focus of the operation was on syndicates engaged in supplying, trading and operating mule bank accounts used to receive and route proceeds generated through online financial fraud. Such accounts are commonly used to obscure the money trail and complicate financial investigations by rapidly transferring stolen funds across multiple banking channels.
During the raids, police seized 67 mobile phones, 19 laptops, 76 SIM cards, 81 debit and credit cards, and more than ₹5 lakh in cash. Several digital storage devices and electronic records were also recovered. Authorities said all seized electronic evidence has been sent for forensic examination to identify additional suspects, uncover communication patterns and establish the full extent of the cybercrime network.
Based on leads developed during the investigation, police also arrested a Nigerian national. According to officials, digital devices recovered from him have shown links to multiple complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). Investigators are now examining whether the accused was connected to a larger transnational cyber fraud syndicate operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Police said the objective of Operation Cy-Vajra-1 extends beyond shutting down illegal call centres. The campaign also targets the broader cybercrime infrastructure, including mule bank account networks, fraudulent SIM card procurement, misuse of digital payment systems and organised financial laundering mechanisms that facilitate online fraud.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said modern cybercrime syndicates have evolved far beyond conventional scam call centres. Criminal groups now combine social engineering, mule bank accounts, fraudulent SIM cards and multi-layered financial transactions to conceal the origin of illicit funds and frustrate law enforcement efforts. He noted that stolen money is often transferred through multiple accounts within minutes, making recovery and attribution increasingly difficult without coordinated digital forensics and financial intelligence.
He advised citizens to remain vigilant against unsolicited phone calls claiming to be from banks, government agencies, investment firms or customer support services. Sensitive financial information—including bank account details, debit or credit card numbers, CVV codes, OTPs, UPI PINs and internet banking credentials—should never be shared over phone calls, text messages or emails. Individuals receiving suspicious communications should independently verify the caller’s identity through official channels before taking any action.
Police have urged members of the public to immediately report cyber fraud incidents through the National Cyber Helpline (1930) or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, while also informing the nearest police station so that timely financial intervention can improve the chances of fund recovery.
The investigation remains underway as forensic experts analyse the seized digital devices, financial records and communication logs. Authorities believe the examination may reveal additional accused, mule account operators, interstate associates and possible international connections linked to the alleged cyber fraud network worth more than ₹60 crore.
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.
