Hyderabad, June 12 (RAHNUMA): Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police intensified their crackdown on cyber fraud during May 2026, registering 54 FIRs and arresting 74 accused involved in various online scams across the country.
A major highlight of the month was “Operation Octopus–3.0”, which targeted a nationwide Ghost SIM racket used in cybercrimes such as digital arrest scams, sextortion and financial frauds. The operation led to the arrest of 66 individuals, including Ghost SIM holders, PoS agents, and suppliers from 13 states. The number of accused arrested included : Karnataka – 6, Telangana – 19, Andhra Pradesh – 16, Madhya Pradesh – 2, West Bengal – 3, Uttar Pradesh – 7, Tamilnadu – 5, Gujarat – 5, Maharashtra – 4, Delhi – 3 and Odisha – 1.
Investment fraud accounted for the highest number of arrests, followed by matrimonial, trading, OTP, and social media-related cybercrimes. Police seized 43 mobile phones, 32 SIM cards, 19 laptops, and several banking documents during investigations.
Authorities also secured refunds of over Rs.68.27 lakh for the victims in 25 cyber fraud cases involving losses exceeding Rs.10 crore.
As part of cyber patrol efforts, Hyderabad Police identified and facilitated the removal of 251 social media profiles and 304 paid advertisements promoting illegal betting, online gaming, and fake investment schemes.
Cyber Crime Police urged the citizens to remain vigilant against fake investment offers, digital arrest scams, malicious APK files, fake social media profiles and online matrimonial frauds. Victims of cyber fraud were advised to immediately report incidents through the national cyber helpline 1930 or the Cyber Crime portal www.cybercrime.gov.in
