Is a Crackdown on Online Fraud by TN Police Effective? Seven Cyber Criminals Arrested Across Four States
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Synopsis
The Tamil Nadu Police's Cyber Crime Wing has successfully apprehended seven cybercriminals involved in various fraud schemes across India. This crackdown is part of 'Operation Hydra,' aimed at dismantling cybercrime syndicates. With cases ranging from phishing scams to fake scholarships, the police are intensifying efforts to combat online fraud.
Key Takeaways
- The Tamil Nadu Police's Cyber Crime Wing has arrested seven individuals in a nationwide operation.
- Fraud schemes involved include matrimonial scams, phishing, and fake scholarship scams.
- The operation aims to dismantle organized cybercrime networks across multiple states.
- Ongoing investigations seek to identify and apprehend additional network members.
- Public awareness and vigilance are key in combating cyber fraud.
Chennai, June 3 (NationPress) In a significant achievement against organized cybercrime, the Cyber Crime Wing of the Tamil Nadu Police has apprehended seven suspects nationwide as part of a massive operation dubbed ‘Operation Hydra’.
According to officials, the suspects were linked to various fraudulent activities, such as matrimonial scams, phishing, digital loan frauds, and fake scholarship schemes.
Police teams were deployed to multiple states, including Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Assam, and New Delhi, to capture the accused.
This operation is part of an enhanced initiative to dismantle interstate cybercrime syndicates.
On May 28, law enforcement apprehended Mohammed Dawood (21) and Mohammed Vaseem (34) in Jaspur, Uttarakhand. They were reportedly managing mule bank accounts used to launder money obtained through matrimonial fraud.
In a separate case reported to the State Cyber Crime headquarters, a victim lost Rs 4.05 lakh to a phishing scheme.
The perpetrator, masquerading as an ICICI Bank customer service representative, sent a fraudulent mobile application (APK file) via WhatsApp, claiming it was required for KYC updates. Once installed, the malware accessed sensitive personal and financial information, including PAN and debit card details. Following this, on May 30, police arrested Pankaj Kumar (40) from Jharkhand, with subsequent arrests of Hiteswar Biswas (30) in Hojai, Assam on May 31, and Nihar Ranjan Nath (51) from Nagaon, Assam on June 1.
All three were part of a larger fraud network implicated in digital lending app scams and managing fake bank accounts.
In another notable case, the Thanjavur Cyber Crime Police Station uncovered a scholarship scam that deceived students under the guise of providing government educational assistance. Scammers collected personal information and nominal 'processing fees' before vanishing.
Responding to this complaint, police arrested Preeti Nicholas (30) and Meshach (19) from northeast Delhi on June 1. Both were involved in gathering student data and creating forged documents to facilitate the scam.
Authorities have confirmed that there have been nine arrests related to scholarship-related fraud over the past two months.
Investigations continue to track down the remaining members of the cybercrime network.
Point of View
The recent arrests made by the Tamil Nadu Police highlight a significant commitment to combating cybercrime. The proactive approach taken by law enforcement reflects a growing understanding of the complexities involved in cyber fraud, and their efforts to dismantle these networks are crucial for enhancing public safety and trust in digital transactions.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ‘Operation Hydra’?
‘Operation Hydra’ is a nationwide initiative by the Tamil Nadu Police aimed at combating organized cybercrime, leading to the arrest of several individuals involved in various fraudulent activities.
What types of scams are being investigated?
The investigation covers a range of scams, including matrimonial frauds, phishing schemes, digital loan frauds, and fake scholarship scams.
How many arrests have been made in connection with these scams?
So far, nine individuals have been arrested in connection with scholarship-related fraud over the past two months.
What is the impact of these arrests?
These arrests are significant in the fight against cybercrime, as they disrupt ongoing fraudulent operations and deter potential scammers from targeting vulnerable individuals.
How can individuals protect themselves from cyber fraud?
Individuals can protect themselves by verifying sources before sharing personal information, being cautious of unsolicited communications, and regularly monitoring their financial accounts for suspicious activity.
