52 arrested in massive cybercrime bust under Operation Octopus–2

Hyderabad Police arrested 52 persons, including 32 bank officials, in a nationwide cybercrime crackdown under Operation Octopus–2. The operation uncovered Rs 150 crore transactions linked to 850 cases across nine States, with officials urging swift reporting of cyber frauds.

Hyderabad: In a major operation, 52 persons involved in several cybercrimes were arrested by the Hyderabad police from across nine States in the country as part of Operation Octopus – 2. The suspects included 32 bank officials.

Hyderabad Commissioner of Police, VC Sajjanar, said that 16 teams comprising seasoned investigators were constituted and the operation was carried out for a week in nine States in the country.

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“52 individuals, including bank officials who played pivotal roles in the execution of the fraud, were apprehended. The operation uncovered 350 bank accounts linked to 850 cases across India through which transactions amounting to Rs 150 crores were reported,” said Sajjanar.

The police seized 26 mobile phones, 14 cheque books, 2 pen drives, a laptop and 21 rubber stamps. “A firm message is conveyed to anyone involved in such crimes – regardless of position or influence – who will face strict legal action. All leads are being pursued, and those facilitating cybercrime, including bank officials and mule account holders, will be dealt with an iron hand,” said the official.

Among those held are 15 mule account holders who knowingly permitted their bank accounts to be used for layering and laundering illicit funds. Sajjanar asked the people to be cautious about various cyber frauds, such as investment and trading fraud, digital arrest, etc.

He said people should immediately report cybercrime within the golden hour period to increase chances of freezing the defrauded funds. In the previous Operation Octopus, 1 – 117 suspects were arrested by the police in 16 States.