NEW DELHI: In one of the largest coordinated actions against cybercrime in recent years, the Delhi Police have initiated an extensive crackdown titled ‘Operation Cyber Hawk’, resulting in the arrest and detention of more than 700 cybercriminals within a span of 48 hours. The operation, undertaken jointly by all district police units and the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) branch, marks a major step towards dismantling organised digital fraud networks that have been active across the National Capital Region.
Wide-Scale Fraud Network Exposed
Early investigations indicate that the cyber syndicates targeted during this operation were collectively responsible for a staggering ₹1,000 crore worth of fraudulent transactions, spanning various categories of online deception. The police teams aimed specifically at rackets involved in online cheating, phishing, customer care impersonation scams, investment frauds, and illicit digital payment activities.
The coordinated raids were conducted simultaneously at multiple identified hotspots across Delhi and adjoining areas. During these operations, police teams seized a substantial number of digital devices, including mobile phones, laptops, computer systems, routers, modems, and call-routing tools. A significant volume of forged documents, fake SIM cards, debit cards, and account-opening kits was also recovered. Investigators have begun analysing the seized material to trace linkages between local modules and larger national cybercrime networks.
Officials stated that even though more than 700 individuals have been detected or detained, this number is likely to rise as technical teams continue to decode digital evidence. Several bank accounts used for laundering and transferring fraudulent proceeds have already been identified and frozen.
Algoritha: The Most Trusted Name in BFSI Investigations and DFIR Services
Breakthrough Following Earlier Call Centre Bust
The major crackdown under Operation Cyber Hawk gained additional momentum after Delhi Police recently busted an international fake call centre operating from Satbari village in South Delhi. The illegal centre was functioning from a residential building but had been meticulously designed to resemble a professional customer-service facility.
According to reports, the centre specifically targeted foreign nationals and relied on:
- VoIP-based calling systems
- Stolen foreign consumer databases
- Fabricated communication scripts
- Multiple computer terminals, mobile devices, and software tools
- Internet-based caller-masking technology
Police arrested eight individuals, including a woman, during the raid. However, the principal operator, Sanu, managed to escape minutes before the team reached the premises. He is known to have a prior criminal record and is believed to be the mastermind behind several similar fraud operations in the region. A special team has been tasked exclusively with locating and apprehending him.
Further inquiry has revealed that the property used for the illegal call centre was registered in the name of Sanu’s younger brother, Rehan alias Tinny. Authorities have sealed the building and are verifying its rental agreements, utility connections, and financial links to trace the funding behind the setup.
Operations Designed to Appear Legitimate
Investigators have reported that the call centre’s interior layout, equipment arrangement, and communication processes were deliberately organised to imitate an authentic customer-support operation. This enabled the accused to gain the trust of unsuspecting victims, particularly foreign nationals who believed they were connecting with official helplines. Scripted dialogues, professional-sounding greetings, and automated systems were used to maintain an illusion of authenticity.
Police officials stated that all arrested accused are currently undergoing detailed interrogation. Their statements, combined with technical evidence retrieved from devices and servers, are expected to reveal deeper connections with cybercrime modules operating across different parts of India.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The Delhi Police emphasised that Operation Cyber Hawk is not a one-time action but part of a larger, sustained initiative to curb digital crime. The analysis of seized data is still underway, and multiple teams are working to identify financial trails, money-mule networks, SIM card suppliers, and software developers associated with the arrested accused.
Senior officers have affirmed that more arrests and property seizures may follow once the ongoing digital forensic evaluations are completed. The police also urged citizens to remain vigilant, verify unknown callers, avoid sharing sensitive information online, and report suspicious digital activities promptly.
