The Malkajgiri Cyber Crime Police have arrested seven individuals in connection with multiple cyber fraud cases, including a fake death extortion scam that used emotional manipulation to trap victims.
The arrests were made during a week-long pan-India operation conducted between February 15 and February 21, 2026. Authorities also succeeded in recovering ₹31,72,966, which has been ordered by the court to be refunded to the affected victims.
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According to investigators, the accused operated a sophisticated online deception network that targeted individuals through social media platforms, especially through friendship and matrimonial approaches on Facebook.
In one of the most elaborate frauds, the victim was befriended by a woman using the fake identity “Sonia” on Facebook. Within a week of the online friendship, the fraudster claimed to be suffering from a serious medical condition and requested urgent financial help.
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“Sonia Dies” Threat Forces More Payments
After receiving initial payments, the scam network introduced another fabricated identity named “Shruthi,” who allegedly promised marriage to the victim and repeatedly demanded money citing personal emergencies.
The case escalated when associates of the fraud network later contacted the victim and falsely informed him that Sonia had died. The victim was threatened with claims that he was responsible for her death and could face police action.
Fearful of legal consequences and emotional pressure, the victim transferred additional money to the fraudsters. The investigation later revealed that the entire story of illness, death and police threat was fabricated as part of a coordinated extortion strategy.
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Following technical surveillance and financial tracing, police arrested three main suspects identified as Thorthi Shashi Kumar, Thorthi Vamshi and Gampala Sravan. Officials said the accused were involved in matrimonial fraud as well as intimidation-based extortion.
During the wider investigation, cybercrime teams uncovered multiple linked transactions and bank account chains used to move illegal money across different regions of India. Authorities believe the operation involved several local facilitators who rented or sold bank accounts for fraudulent purposes.
Police officials warned that such account renting practices are illegal and often serve as key infrastructure for cybercrime syndicates. Citizens were advised not to share personal banking information, OTPs or identity documents with strangers.
Authorities also highlighted the growing trend of online investment scams promising unusually high returns. Officials urged people to verify financial platforms through authorised regulatory bodies before investing money online.
The cybercrime unit emphasized that victims often fall prey to emotional blackmail, fake romance stories and fear-based intimidation tactics used by organised fraud networks.
Police further advised the public to remain cautious when interacting with unknown individuals on social media and to avoid transferring money based on unverified emergency claims.
Officials said the operation was part of a larger strategy to dismantle interstate cybercrime networks operating across multiple states. The recovered amount has been processed for judicial refund to the victims.
Cybersecurity experts note that such frauds are becoming more sophisticated, combining psychological manipulation with technical anonymity tools.
Investigators continue to track additional suspects associated with the racket, and further arrests are expected as the probe progresses.
Authorities reiterated that public awareness remains the most effective defence against cyber fraud, urging citizens to immediately report suspicious online activities to law enforcement agencies.
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.
