A coordinated 7-day operation across West Bengal has targeted organised cybercrime networks allegedly linked to financial fraud worth Rs 92.6 crore. The intelligence-led drive, named ‘Operation Cyber Prahar’, resulted in 69 FIRs and the arrest of 107 people, according to the Bengal Police.
The operation was led by the Cyber Crime Wing of S4C, West Bengal, with support from multiple police units. The objective was to identify criminal hotspots, disrupt the infrastructure supporting cyber fraud and dismantle organised syndicates operating across the state.
Of the 107 arrests, 40 key suspects were apprehended directly by the specialised Cyber Crime Wing, with the arrests reflected administratively under the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate.
Police teams conducted coordinated raids across several districts, including locations under the Kolkata Police jurisdiction. During the week-long operation, officers also uncovered and raided 3 illegal call centres allegedly being used for fraudulent calls and technical support scams.
Investigators also targeted the financial network supporting these operations. The crackdown covered suspected mule and beneficiary bank accounts allegedly used to move stolen funds, suspicious ATM and cash withdrawal points, compromised bank branches, and illegal Point-of-Sale (POS) and SIM card outlets that allegedly provided untraceable access to fraudsters.
More than 400 SIM cards were deactivated as part of the operation, according to police sources.
Senior officials from the S4C unit said ‘Operation Cyber Prahar’ remains active across West Bengal. Police said enforcement efforts will continue across jurisdictions to dismantle organised cybercrime groups and disrupt their operational networks.
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