Kozhikode | December 1, 2025: Kerala Police have intensified their largest cybersecurity crackdown, Operation Cy-Hunt, after uncovering fresh leads against international cybercrime rackets. Kozhikode Cyber Police have identified new suspects linked to organised fraud groups operating high-value online scams, giving a major push to ongoing enforcement efforts.
According to officials, crucial evidence has been obtained through advanced digital forensics, mobile data extraction, communication log analysis, and financial transaction audits. Police are now actively tracking suspects involved in digital arrest schemes and large-scale investment scams that have siphoned off crores of rupees from victims.
85 Major Investment Scam Cases Under Priority Investigation
The campaign is currently focused on 85 significant cyber investment fraud cases registered in Kozhikode. In these cases, victims were terrified with false claims that they were under government surveillance and would face serious consequences unless they made immediate payments — a tactic central to digital arrest fraud.
Police believe that several of these networks are operated from outside India, while local handlers in Kerala assist in processing transactions and coordinating technical operations.
A senior cybercrime officer stated: “These are highly structured, multi-layered criminal networks. Our goal is to dismantle each operational link — both overseas and domestic.”
11-Month Action: 20 Key Arrests in Kozhikode District
Over the past eleven months, Kozhikode Cyber Police have apprehended around 20 major operatives involved in:
- Multi-level online investment fraud
- Digital intimidation and psychological extortion
- Remote-access device takeover for financial theft
- Phishing and cryptocurrency scams
The most recent breakthrough occurred in Pantheerankavu, where three youths were arrested for orchestrating a ₹25-crore scam targeting a resident of Ernakulam.
Additionally, 25 others detained in the district remain under close surveillance. Summonses have been issued to multiple individuals for expanded questioning.
Statewide Numbers: 2,683 Suspects Identified, 284 Arrested
Officials confirm that the operation was guided by intelligence from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and central investigative units.
Police Advisory: Beware of Fake Apps & Public Wi-Fi Traps
Authorities caution that cybercriminals continue to exploit:
- Fraudulent investment platforms
- Fake customer support helplines
- Unknown APK/download links
- Public Wi-Fi phishing setups
Citizens have been urged to report suspicious activity immediately via:
Helpline: 1930
www.cybercrime.gov.in
Prompt reporting, officers say, significantly improves the chances of freezing stolen funds and tracing digital footprints of scammers.
Kerala Emerges as a Cybercrime Enforcement Leader
The State government has rapidly expanded its cybersecurity infrastructure, focusing on:
- Advanced cyber policing systems
- Blockchain tracing & cryptocurrency monitoring capability
- Real-time collaboration with national and global agencies
Cyber experts warn that criminals are increasingly exploiting new technologies — AI-based manipulation, number spoofing, deepfake intimidation, and psychological pressure — making strong enforcement crucial.
