Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police recorded a major enforcement push in December 2025, recovering more than ₹2 crore from cyber fraudsters and arresting 43 suspects across India. The intensified operations focused on investment scams and digital arrest frauds, leading to 144 FIRs from 266 complaints received through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
Zonal cyber crime cells handled 2,195 complaints during the month, registering 80 FIRs and enabling refunds of ₹72.36 lakh to victims. Special enforcement drives resulted in the seizure of mobile phones, laptops, cheque books, debit and PAN cards, QR scanners, and rubber stamps. Authorities also froze suspicious transactions worth ₹73 crore linked to 119 cases nationwide.
State home minister G Parameshwara praised the police efforts during the Belagavi assembly session, highlighting a steady rise in recoveries year on year. Recoveries stood at ₹177 crore in 2023, ₹323 crore in 2024, and ₹127 crore up to November 2025. “Swift bank coordination key,” he said.
Multi-state operations target organised fraud networks
The December drives led to 43 arrests across 34 cases spanning 15 states, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Of these, 19 cases involved investment frauds, while 8 were linked to digital arrest scams. A total of ₹1.33 crore was refunded directly to complainants.
Professor Triveni Singh, former IPS officer and FCRF cyber expert, said, “Pan-India sweeps dismantle mule networks fueling terror. Hyderabad model—NCRP integration, 1930 alerts—boosts 30% recoveries. Digital arrests prey on fear; awareness saves lakhs.”
Rising complaints reflect stronger reporting
Officials noted that 266 portal complaints converting into 144 FIRs reflects increased public vigilance. Zonal complaints resulted in 15 arrests during the period. Fraud patterns included fake “guaranteed return” investments and digital arrests using forged agency videos demanding UPI payments. Social media fraud, hacking, fake customer care, and piracy cases were also reported, with Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka most affected.
Professor Singh added, “Investment scams promise 50% ROI via WhatsApp groups—classic Ponzi. Digital arrests up 400%; 1930 within 1hr freezes 80% funds.”
Advisory to citizens
Police urged citizens to ignore impersonation calls, never share OTPs or PINs, report incidents immediately via the 1930 helpline or cybercrime.gov.in, and enable UPI limits and app locks. Officials said the December action sets a strong benchmark for 2026, with further drives planned.
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