In a sustained push against cyber-enabled financial crime, the ongoing “Cyber Kavach” special operation has gathered pace in Odisha’s Central Range, with police verifying 2,279 suspicious bank accounts across 7 districts. The operation is focused on breaking organised cybercrime networks that operate through mule accounts and financial intermediaries.
The special enforcement drive targets bank accounts used to launder money from digital arrest scams, online investment frauds, and other cyber offences. Officials said 16 people have been arrested so far, while investigations continue across multiple districts.
The crackdown spans Cuttack (Rural), Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Khordha, and Nayagarh. Police teams are closely examining irregular banking patterns, third-party account openings, and unusual transaction trails linked to cyber fraud complaints reported in recent months.
Authorities explained that cybercrime groups often lure individuals with promises of easy commission-based income to operate mule accounts. These accounts are then used for fast fund movement through UPI platforms, ATM withdrawals, cryptocurrency exchanges, and international remittance channels, making money trails harder to trace.
District-wise action under the operation shows Khordha recording the highest number of arrests at 6. In Cuttack (Rural), police verified 403 accounts, issued 48 legal notices, and registered 14 new cases. Jagatsinghpur saw verification of 198 accounts, leading to 9 new investigations.
In Jajpur, police checked 580 accounts, registered 15 fresh cases, and served 169 legal notices. Kendrapara recorded 468 verified accounts, along with 29 new complaints and 238 legal notices. Khordha reported 333 verified accounts, 21 new cases, and 60 legal notices. Nayagarh saw 59 accounts verified, resulting in 2 new cases and linkage of 1 older FIR. In Puri, 238 accounts were verified, 41 new cases were registered, and 10 arrests were made.
Overall, the Central Range operation has led to 2,279 account verifications, registration of 131 new cybercrime cases, linkage of 6 earlier FIRs, and issuance of 595 legal notices.
Police said the core aim of the drive is to identify mule accounts, trace fraud money trails, and arrest facilitators enabling cybercrime across district boundaries. Coordination between cyber cells and banks has been strengthened to flag suspicious transactions.
Authorities have advised citizens not to share OTPs, banking passwords, or personal financial details with unknown callers or messages. People have also been warned against renting or lending their bank accounts, which can attract criminal liability.
Victims of cyber fraud have been urged to report incidents immediately through the national helpline number 1930 to improve chances of fund recovery. Officials confirmed that the “Cyber Kavach” operation will continue, with more arrests and action expected.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
