In a major crackdown on cybercrime, Cyberabad Police arrested 23 cybercriminals in connection with 14 cases registered between January 16 and January 22, officials said on Friday. The action also resulted in significant relief for victims, with courts issuing 354 refund orders across 70 cases, facilitating the return of ₹1.06 crore to affected complainants.
Police officials said the arrests were part of a focused enforcement drive against a wide range of cyber frauds, including online trading scams, digital arrest frauds, part-time job frauds, loan frauds and job-related scams. The operation comes amid a steady rise in cybercrime incidents and reflects an emphasis on both enforcement and victim restitution.
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Trading-Related Frauds Dominate Arrests
According to data released by the police, trading-related frauds accounted for the highest number of arrests. Of the 23 accused apprehended, 11 were linked to six online trading fraud cases.
In addition, five accused were arrested in three “digital arrest” scam cases, while three arrests were made in two part-time job fraud cases. Police also arrested two accused in two loan fraud cases, and two more in a job fraud case.
Investigators noted that most of these crimes involved the misuse of social media platforms, messaging applications and fake mobile apps to lure victims with promises of quick returns, easy income or urgent legal threats.
₹2.90 Crore Trading and IPO Investment Scam
One of the most significant cases detected during the week involved a large-scale online trading and IPO investment fraud, in which a victim was cheated of ₹2.90 crore. Police said the fraud was executed through WhatsApp groups and a fake trading mobile application operating under the name “Alpha Alliance Investment Club.”
The platform was falsely projected as a SEBI-registered foreign institutional investor (FII) entity and promised guaranteed returns to investors. Subsequent investigation revealed that these claims were entirely false.
In this case, two accused from Andhra Pradesh — Shivakanth Raju Datla and Surya Bhagavan Morapaka — were arrested. Police alleged that the duo provided bank accounts to route the cheated money in exchange for commission, thereby facilitating the laundering of proceeds from the fraud.
Digital Arrest Scam Targets Elderly Woman
Another major case involved a “digital arrest” scam, in which a 74-year-old woman was cheated of ₹56.50 lakh. According to police, the accused impersonated telecom department officials, Mumbai Police personnel and RBI representatives, contacting the victim through phone calls and WhatsApp video calls.
The woman was allegedly threatened with arrest and legal action, prompting her to transfer large sums of money under fear. In this case as well, two accused from Andhra Pradesh — Kesana Manikya Rao and Kesana Laxmi Nandini — were arrested for allegedly creating and supplying bank accounts used to execute the fraud.
Focus on Refunds and Financial Recovery
Beyond arrests, the Cyberabad Police highlighted their emphasis on financial recovery for victims. Through coordination with courts and banks, investigators secured 354 refund orders in multiple cases, ensuring that defrauded amounts were returned wherever possible.
A senior police official said that bank account freezing, digital money trail analysis and inter-State coordination remain central to ongoing investigations. Authorities added that efforts are continuing to identify additional suspects and recover more funds linked to past complaints.
Public Advisory and Preventive Measures
Police officials reiterated the need for public awareness, warning citizens against guaranteed return schemes, unsolicited trading tips, and calls threatening arrest or legal consequences. They stressed that no law enforcement agency conducts arrests or investigations through video calls or demands money transfers over the phone.
Citizens were urged to verify investment platforms, avoid sharing personal or banking details, and report suspicious activities immediately through the cybercrime helpline or official police portals.
Ongoing Vigilance
Officials said the recent arrests underline the evolving nature of cybercrime and the importance of sustained vigilance. With fraudsters constantly adapting their methods, police said enforcement, awareness and swift reporting remain key to preventing financial losses and bringing offenders to justice.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
