In a significant move against cybercrime, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) recently arrested 48 suspects linked to a widespread cybercrime network. The statewide crackdown, conducted in collaboration with local law enforcement, targeted suspects involved in 508 cases in Telangana and over 2,194 cases across India, amounting to financial losses of more than Rs 8.16 crore.
The operation, initiated by the TGCSB Headquarters Police Station, involved extensive data analysis and intelligence gathering. Suspects face charges under various provisions, including the Information Technology Act, with cases involving fraudulent investment schemes, job scams, courier fraud, and other digital cons. The arrested individuals comprised 38 “mule account holders” who allowed cybercriminals to use their bank accounts for financial transfers, while 10 acted as “agents” who coordinated with these mule account holders to facilitate the illicit operations.
The suspects include unemployed individuals, cab drivers, small business owners, and IT professionals, with educational qualifications ranging from secondary school to college degrees. The ages of the arrested suspects range from 20 to 55 years, and they were apprehended from various areas across Hyderabad and Telangana.
In the raids, authorities seized 53 mobile phones, four laptops, five CPUs, two monitors, 18 bank passbooks, 16 chequebooks, 10 ATM cards, and a motorcycle, all believed to have been used in these cybercrime operations. The detained suspects are now under investigation by various police units.
TGCSB Director Shikha Goel commended her team for their detailed planning and operation, highlighting the contributions of SP Devender Singh and Deputy Superintendents of Police KV Surya Prakash, Harikrishna, and KVM Prasad. Goel emphasised TGCSB’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity and urged the public to be vigilant with personal information and cautious when dealing with unverified sources.
Citizens are encouraged to verify payment requests and report any suspicious activity to TGCSB’s helpline at 1930 or through cybercrime.gov.in.
