In a coordinated national effort to disrupt organised digital fraud networks, law enforcement agencies — led by the Delhi Police — carried out a 48‑hour cybercrime crackdown under the banner of Operation CyHawk 4.0. The large‑scale action resulted in hundreds of arrests and the rounding up of thousands of suspects during simultaneous raids across multiple districts.
Operation CyHawk 4.0, executed on April 6 and 7, focused on dismantling organised cyber fraud syndicates operating in and beyond the national capital. According to official statements, more than 8,300 individuals were detained for questioning and verification, with over 600 arrests made after investigators established strong financial and technical links to cybercrime activities.
Senior police officials described the operation as a shift from reactive policing to proactive disruption of the operational and financial infrastructure that supports digital fraud rings. Around 5,000 police personnel were reportedly deployed as part of the drive, covering multiple districts and targeting key nodes in cybercrime networks.
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Targets Included Digital Fraud and Financial Networks
A major focus of the operation was organised digital fraud, particularly schemes that exploit victims through fake advertisements, identity theft, and sophisticated online ruses. Investigators specifically targeted “mule” bank accounts — accounts used to receive, layer, and forward proceeds from cybercrime — as well as illegal call centres facilitating scams.
In several instances, suspects were found to have supplied such mule accounts or provided account access to syndicates in exchange for commissions. One notable arrest included an individual linked to a popular food chain owner’s family, accused of providing his bank account credentials for use in cyber‑fraud transactions.
FIRs, Seizures and Evidence Gathering
The police registered 499 fresh FIRs during the operation as legal action was initiated against identified cyber fraudsters. Additionally, breakthroughs were reported in previously pending investigations, with multiple accused connected to digital evidence gathered during the raids.
Law enforcement also seized large volumes of incriminating evidence, including mobile phones, laptops, hard drives, SIM cards, banking details and ledgers. Investigators traced more than ₹519 crore in defrauded money to accounts linked with the organised cybercrime networks targeted by the operation.
Broader Impacts and Ongoing Efforts
Officials described Operation CyHawk 4.0 as one of the most extensive coordinated cybercrime crackdowns in recent years, aimed at crippling not just individual fraud cases but the structural ecosystem that enables them. Cooperation from cybercrime coordination centres and technical partners was cited as a key element in planning and executing the raids.
Police authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant online by safeguarding personal banking information, enabling two‑factor authentication and reporting suspicious activity through official portals. They also stated that similar intelligence‑led operations will continue at regular intervals to maintain sustained pressure on cybercriminal networks.
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.
