HYDERABAD: In a sweeping nationwide cybercrime crackdown during June, the Hyderabad Cyber Crime Unit has arrested 25 individuals linked to 453 fraud cases across seven states. Victims were collectively refunded a staggering ₹4.4 crore—₹72.85 lakh during June and an additional ₹3.67 crore via a special National Lok Adalat on June 14 . The operation resulted in the seizure of 34 mobile phones, 20 cheque books, 17 debit cards, 16 bank passbooks, 8 SIM cards, and ₹1 lakh in cash .
Accused hailed from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Telangana, and beyond. Notable scams included:
- A ₹2.59 crore loss via Finaltorg.com, where fraudsters posed as Bengaluru-based brokers to dupe a Hyderabad businessman .
- A senior citizen lost ₹74.36 lakh to a fake “Abbott Wealth Management” app.
- A ₹45.83 lakh hit from a clone “Yes Bank trading” website (yesbong.com).
- A ₹31.76 lakh investment in a false Indian Oil dealership.
Cybercrime Scope, Impact and Public Advisory
Statewide Reach Underlines Sophistication
The arrested suspects were involved in scams across 23 states, including a major concentration in Karnataka and Maharashtra . The variety of modus operandi—from fake trading websites to impersonation and investment fraud apps—reflects how digital crime syndicates have built interstate networks exploiting simple trust.
Victim Support and Precautionary Measures
Authorities recovered and returned funds promptly, underscoring effective policing through quick response and court-mediated mediation. Citizens are advised to:
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Avoid unverified investment offers via social media or WhatsApp.
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Never click unknown links or download suspicious APKs.
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Verify official messages—no government agency asks for funds online via Skype or video call.
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Report immediately through helpline 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in to boost fund recovery chances .
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What Happens Next?
The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Unit is now tracing digital footprints to identify deeper networks and financial pathways. Additional raids across implicated states are planned, with authorities ready to freeze suspicious bank accounts and press charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the IT Act.
With sophisticated frauds on the rise and over 3,500+ cybercrime complaints pending this year, rapid action and public vigilance remain vital. Cybersecurity experts emphasise that time is money—reporting fraud within the first hour can drastically increase the odds of recovery.
About the Author – Sahhil Taware is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change.