Hyderabad Cybercrime Crackdown: ₹56 Lakh Refunded to Victims

Hyderabad, in the first week of January, the Cyber Crime Wing of Malkajgiri police arrested two offenders in two separate cases, uncovering a pan-India cyber fraud network and securing refunds of over ₹56 lakh to the victims. The arrests were made between January 3 and January 9, during which the Cyber Crime Police Station (CCPS), Malkajgiri, detected two cybercrime cases involving ‘digital arrest’ fraud and investment fraud.

An accused identified as Kola Manjula of Secunderabad was arrested for her role as a mule account holder in a ‘digital arrest’ fraud case that duped an elderly victim from Malakajgiri of ₹90 lakh. The accused created fear through false allegations, staged video calls and even a fake Supreme Court hearing, coercing the victim into transferring large sums of money under the pretext of legal verification. According to the police, Manjula provided bank accounts that were used by fraudsters to siphon off money from victims. Police said Manjula is also involved in at least five other cybercrime cases registered in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and as far as Uttarakhand.

While the promised refund never came from the fraudsters, cybercrime police were able to secure a refund of ₹41 lakh to the victim through court processes. Overall, CCPS Malkajgiri processed refunds amounting to ₹56,27,776 through court orders during the week. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crimes), Malkajgiri Commissionerate, SV Naga Lakshmi, urged the public to remain cautious, warning against trusting unsolicited calls and highlighting that renting or selling bank accounts is illegal and fuels large-scale cybercrime. She advised victims or those who suspect fraud to immediately contact the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or approach the nearest cybercrime police station.

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