Away from public attention, a coordinated cybercrime crackdown unfolded in January, revealing the depth and spread of digital fraud networks operating across multiple Indian states.
The Cyber Police of Delhi Police’s West District disclosed on February 4 that a focused inter-state operation carried out through January led to the arrest of 55 accused. The month-long drive targeted organised cyber fraud syndicates and involved investigations spanning several states and multiple online scam formats.
According to an official release, the operation resulted in the seizure of more than 125 mobile phones and over 450 SIM cards. Police also uncovered extensive mule account networks used to move illegal funds. Investigators identified cases linked to “digital arrest” scams, online investment fraud, and the routing of money through USDT, a cryptocurrency often used for cross-border and anonymous transactions.
Police said the cases reflected a wider pattern of organised cybercrime that relies on layered digital systems such as temporary SIM cards, encrypted messaging platforms, and distributed bank accounts to hide identities and money trails.
During January 2026, cyber fraud complaints in the West District crossed ₹4.84 crore, police data showed. Of this, lien marking was carried out on ₹1.55 crore to secure funds, while ₹39 lakh was refunded to victims following court orders. Officials said 20 cybercrime cases were solved during the month and 13 others were disposed of after investigation.
The operation extended beyond Delhi into Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, highlighting the inter-state nature of the fraud networks.
One case involved a retired Central Government employee cheated of ₹15 lakh through a “digital arrest” scam. Police said illegal e-SIMs and Telegram networks were used. Three accused, Anuj Kumar, Ashish Dubey and Rajan, were arrested from Gonda district in Uttar Pradesh.
In another case, ₹14.35 lakh was siphoned off through fake online investment schemes promoted via WhatsApp groups. Three accused were arrested for routing funds through mule accounts. A separate investigation into a fake online trading platform led to the arrest of 2 accused in Buldhana district of Maharashtra, involving an alleged fraud of ₹25 lakh.
Additional cases included a ₹1 lakh online furniture delivery fraud with 4 arrests, and a ₹24.80 lakh fake investment scam linked to USDT transactions, with 3 arrests made in Ratlam and Indore districts of Madhya Pradesh.
Police said the January operation showed how cyber fraud syndicates blend simple deception with advanced digital tools. As complaints continue to rise, the crackdown offered a detailed view of the scale, structure and reach of cybercrime networks in India.
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