Varanasi. Varanasi Police have launched a major crackdown on cybercrime over the past year, busting 58 cybercrime gangs and arresting 277 accused, including alleged gang leaders. The action covered cases involving investment fraud, fake job offers, cheating of foreign nationals and digital arrest scams. Police also seized 17 four-wheelers allegedly used in cybercrime and initiated proceedings under the Gangsters Act against 21 accused.
On Monday, the Police Commissioner inspected the cyber police station and cyber cell and reviewed various portals, complaint registers and pending cases. Instructions were issued to establish a help desk for cybercrime victims and deploy trained police personnel there. Emphasis was also placed on prompt action on complaints and providing necessary assistance to victims.
Proposal for Conducting Cyber Crisis Drill, Tabletop Exercise (TTEx) & CCMP Readiness Exercise
15 Illegal Call Centres Raided
Over the past year, cybercrime police have busted 15 illegal call centres allegedly involved in investment fraud, fake job offers and scams targeting foreign nationals. Police said 175 accused linked to these call centres were arrested.
Investigators found that the accused allegedly contacted foreign nationals while posing as American or federal officials and extracted money from them on various pretexts. Equipment and other material allegedly used in the cyber fraud networks were also recovered during the operations.
550 People Rescued From Fraud Networks
Police also rescued 550 people who had allegedly become trapped in multi-level marketing schemes and fraudulent networks and handed them over to their families. Seventeen four-wheelers allegedly used in criminal activities were seized during the operations. Proceedings under the Gangsters Act were initiated against 21 accused allegedly involved in cybercrime.
10,176 Mobile Numbers and 8,262 IMEIs Blocked
To prevent the misuse of mobile connections and devices by cybercriminals, police got 10,176 mobile numbers and the IMEI numbers of 8,262 mobile devices blocked. Police said the action was aimed at disabling resources allegedly being used for cyber fraud and preventing their further misuse.
36 Sent to Jail in Five Digital Arrest Cases
In five digital arrest cases, police arrested 36 accused and sent them to jail. Around ₹1.20 crore and equipment allegedly used in cybercrime were recovered in these cases. Investigations also focused on instances in which victims were allegedly intimidated through digital means and threatened with legal action to extort money.
₹25 Crore Frozen
Police disposed of 16,982 complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Through prompt intervention, around ₹25 crore that was allegedly being transferred to accounts controlled by cyber fraudsters was placed on hold across different bank accounts.
In addition, after completion of the required legal process, ₹4.50 crore was returned directly to the bank accounts of victims. The action was aimed at preventing further movement of allegedly defrauded funds and facilitating their recovery.
Appeal to Citizens
Police officials appealed to citizens to remain alert against cybercrime. People were advised not to share internet banking user IDs, passwords or other confidential information with anyone and to avoid clicking on suspicious links. Citizens were also cautioned against downloading applications at the request of unknown persons.
People who become victims of online financial fraud have been advised to immediately report the incident by calling the 1930 helpline and filing a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Police said that prompt reporting increases the possibility of stopping the movement of fraudulent funds and recovering the money.
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.
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