Hyderabad, Nov 9 (NationPress) In a historic first, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) successfully apprehended 81 cyber fraudsters during a coordinated multi-state operation that spanned 25 days throughout October. This operation included the arrest of seven women involved in cybercrime.

Conducted across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, this operation is a testament to the Bureau's unwavering commitment to combatting cyber fraud. Shikha Goel, the Director of TGCSB, stated that this initiative illustrates their zero-tolerance policy for cybercrime and reinforces their resolve to dismantle organized online fraud networks operating throughout India.

According to reports, 28 individuals were apprehended in Kerala, 23 in Maharashtra, 13 in Karnataka, 10 in Andhra Pradesh, and seven in Tamil Nadu. Among those arrested, there were 17 agents, along with 11 individuals associated with cheque and cash withdrawals totaling Rs 34,70,900, and 53 mule account holders who earned commissions up to 5 percent on the fraudulent transactions processed through their accounts.

The operation also yielded significant assets, including 84 mobile phones, 101 SIM cards, and 89 bank passbooks and cheque books linked to various fraudulent activities.

The investigation revealed a diverse array of professional backgrounds among the arrested, highlighting the extensive reach of cybercrime. Notably, three bank employees were identified: a Sales Executive from IDFC Bank involved in 106 cases, an employee from Federal Bank, and a Branch Manager from Bandhan Bank, all directly facilitating illegal financial transactions.

Other significant arrests included a Diploma holder in Computer Operations involved in 96 cases, an Accountant from the Kilpauk Audit Office in Chennai with 31 cases, a BBA graduate involved in 45 cases, and an MNC employee who misappropriated his corporate account for fraudulent activities. The accused encompass a wide range of professions, including private employees, healthcare workers, IT professionals, brokers, students, and daily wage laborers, illustrating the alarming prevalence of digital financial misuse across various sectors.

Preliminary investigations suggest that some suspects may have connections with individuals operating from overseas, prompting the initiation of Look-Out Circulars (LOCs) against identified foreign-linked suspects.

The arrests are linked to 41 cases filed within the seven TGCSB Cyber Crime Police Stations (CCPS). Investigators have uncovered 754 crime links nationwide, with 128 tied to Telangana, involving an estimated fraudulent total of Rs 95 crore.

Among the arrested, 12 individuals were found to have over 30 crime links across the nation, while 54 others were implicated in more than five different cybercrime cases.

Officers have also identified and frozen a number of bank accounts associated with the accused, and the victim reimbursement process has commenced in collaboration with relevant financial institutions.

A vital component of this operation is TGCSB's ongoing objective to disrupt the supply chain that allows cybercriminals to operate without fear. Those who provide bank accounts, mobile numbers, SIM cards, and financial channels function as crucial infrastructure for fraudulent call-centre networks, often based outside the country.

By identifying and detaining these facilitators, TGCSB seeks to dismantle the ecosystem supporting large-scale financial fraud, ensuring that these networks are stripped of the essential tools they rely on, stated Shikha Goel.