The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has arrested 101 people, including 18 women, during a two-week operation targeting cybercrime networks across seven states and Union Territories. Police said the accused were allegedly involved in fraudulent transactions worth approximately ₹17 crore, with several corporate employees and educated professionals among those arrested.
The investigation has identified links to 1,172 cybercrime cases across India, including 206 cases registered in Telangana.
How Was the Cybercrime Operation Conducted?
The operation, launched on September 23, involved coordinated raids across southern India.
More than 100 TGCSB personnel, organised into six special teams, participated in the field operations.
Police carried out arrests in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Puducherry.
Kerala accounted for 35 arrests, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 22, Karnataka with 17, Tamil Nadu with 14, Telangana with 12 and Puducherry with one.
According to TGCSB, 81 of those arrested were allegedly operating as mule-account holders, while 19 were identified as agents.
Investigators said cybercriminals recruited intermediaries to arrange bank accounts for transferring money obtained through fraudulent activities.
These intermediaries allegedly received commissions of up to 5% of the amount transferred.
The accounts were used to move suspected fraud proceeds through different banking channels, making it difficult to identify the people controlling the transactions.
Shikha Goel, Director of TGCSB, described the operation as a sustained effort to identify, trace and apprehend cybercrime networks operating across state boundaries.
She said the investigation demonstrated how organised cybercriminals exploit multiple jurisdictions to carry out fraudulent activities.
Which Corporate Professionals Were Arrested?
The investigation revealed the alleged involvement of people from different educational and professional backgrounds.
Among those arrested was an employee of Tata Capital who allegedly facilitated mule accounts in exchange for commissions.
A graduate working at Flipkart was allegedly linked to 50 cybercrime cases, while a businessman holding an M.Com qualification was connected to 34 cases.
Police also identified a diploma holder in Film Technology allegedly linked to 26 cybercrime cases.
An MBA graduate working as a marketing head at Manju Group of Companies was allegedly connected to 15 cases.
An ex-serviceman was also among those arrested and was allegedly linked to six cybercrime cases.
Another graduate was accused of involvement in money exchange activities.
The arrests indicate that the suspected network was not limited to individuals without formal education or professional employment.
Police are examining the roles of the accused and their alleged connections with the wider cybercrime network.
The allegations against the arrested individuals remain subject to investigation.
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How Were Bank Accounts Used for Cyber Fraud?
Investigators said the accused allegedly arranged bank accounts that could be used to receive and transfer money obtained through cybercrime.
The accounts were reportedly provided to fraudsters in exchange for commissions.
Once money entered these accounts, it could be withdrawn or transferred through other accounts, making the movement of funds more difficult to trace.
Police said the suspected network used several methods to move money, including ATM withdrawals, bulk bank transfers and transactions linked to overseas destinations.
Investigators also found that bank accounts opened in the names of trusts and non-governmental organisations were allegedly misused to receive and transfer cybercrime proceeds.
These accounts were linked to 60 cases across India.
The suspected misuse of accounts belonging to organisations adds another dimension to the investigation, as police examine how the accounts were obtained and used.
Several mobile phones, SIM cards, bank passbooks and cheque books allegedly connected with the transactions were seized during the raids.
The seized material is expected to assist investigators in examining the financial transactions and identifying additional connections.
How Many Cybercrime Cases Are Linked to the Accused?
TGCSB said the investigation had identified connections to 1,172 cybercrime cases across India.
Of these, 206 cases were registered in Telangana.
The arrests were also connected to 51 cases registered across TGCSB’s seven Cyber Crime Police Stations.
According to Shikha Goel, 50 of the 101 arrested individuals had links to more than five cybercrime cases each.
This suggests that several suspects may have been involved in repeated transactions or activities connected to different complaints.
The investigation is examining how the alleged network operated across state boundaries and whether the accused were connected to other organised cybercrime groups.
Police are also investigating possible international links.
However, the full extent of the suspected network and the roles of individual accused remain under investigation.
What Other Arrests Were Made During the Operation?
The coordinated operation also led to arrests connected with specific criminal cases.
In connection with CCPS Warangal Crime Nos. 67/2025 and 69/2025, the Karnataka team arrested Tukaram Hembade in Bengaluru based on information provided by another accused.
The Andhra Pradesh team subsequently arrested Kokkarapati Siddhu Varma in Anakapalli in connection with the same cases.
In another investigation, the CCPS Headquarters team arrested C. Vijay Kumar in Puducherry.
That arrest was connected with Crime No. 52/2026, which relates to a movie-piracy case.
These arrests formed part of the broader coordinated operation conducted by TGCSB teams.
Police are continuing to examine the connections between the accused, their alleged activities and other cases registered in different jurisdictions.
Who Were the People Arrested?
Police said those arrested came from different age groups, occupations and educational backgrounds.
Approximately 82% were aged between 20 and 50, while 17% were above 50.
Business and self-employment formed the largest occupational category, accounting for 23% of those arrested.
Private-sector employees accounted for 13%, homemakers for 10%, drivers and operators for 7%, and sales and marketing professionals for 5%.
The educational backgrounds of the accused were also varied.
Police said 26% had completed intermediate-level education, while 24% were graduates or degree holders.
Another 16% had secondary education, and 11% were uneducated.
Others possessed qualifications including diplomas, ITI certificates, postgraduate degrees and professional qualifications.
The figures indicate that individuals from several professional and educational backgrounds were allegedly involved in the activities under investigation.
What Should People Know About These Cyber Frauds?
TGCSB has urged citizens to remain cautious about fake trading platforms, fraudulent investment schemes, task-based income scams and digital arrest frauds.
Such activities were among the cybercrime threats highlighted by the bureau following the operation.
The investigation also shows how bank accounts can become part of organised cybercrime networks when they are provided to unknown individuals for receiving or transferring money.
People should avoid allowing others to use their bank accounts for transactions in exchange for commissions, particularly when the source or purpose of the money is unclear.
The alleged involvement of corporate employees, businesspeople and other professionals demonstrates that educational qualifications or employment status do not necessarily prevent participation in financial crime.
Police are continuing their investigation to identify additional interstate connections, possible international links and other people involved in the suspected network.
The420 Insight: A Bank Account Can Become part of a Much Bigger Crime
The Telangana operation highlights how organised cybercrime networks depend on intermediaries and bank accounts to move fraudulent proceeds. The alleged involvement of corporate professionals and educated individuals shows that mule-account operations can extend across different sections of society.
Allowing another person to use a bank account for commission-based transfers can expose the account holder to serious legal scrutiny, particularly when the transactions involve money obtained through cyber fraud.
About the author — Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, digital safety, and emerging online threats. Her work focuses on public awareness, legal clarity, and technology-driven risks.
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