The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police arrested 35 persons across nine States in connection with 23 cybercrime cases during September, while facilitating refunds of ₹88.48 lakh to victims of online fraud.
According to the monthly report released by Additional Commissioner of Police (Crimes and SIT) M. Srinivasulu, the Cyber Crime Police Station registered 83 FIRs during the month following complaints received through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
The arrests included nine persons involved in social media-related offences, seven in investment fraud, six in digital arrest scams, five in trading fraud, three in advertisement fraud, two in identity theft and one each in extortion, job fraud and customer care fraud.
Of the 35 persons arrested, 10 were from Telangana, nine from Andhra Pradesh, six from Maharashtra, three each from Kerala and Uttar Pradesh, and one each from Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab. Police seized 10 mobile phones, seven cheque books and a shell company stamp during the operations.
Trading fraud accounts for largest losses
The police facilitated refunds totalling ₹88.48 lakh across 38 cybercrime cases in which victims had collectively lost ₹17.34 crore.
Trading fraud accounted for the highest reported losses, with victims losing ₹8.43 crore across 11 cases. Of this, ₹40.24 lakh was refunded. Investment fraud followed with losses of ₹7.68 crore across 17 cases, against which ₹9.20 lakh was returned.
In five OTP fraud cases involving losses of ₹23.71 lakh, refunds totalling ₹24.68 lakh were recorded. Two malicious APK file fraud cases saw refunds of ₹5.50 lakh, while ₹6.91 lakh was refunded in a digital arrest fraud case involving a loss of ₹85 lakh.
Separately, the Zonal Cyber Cells received 2,767 complaints through the NCRP, registered 381 FIRs and arrested 11 persons in 10 cases. These units facilitated refunds of another ₹67.54 lakh to victims.
Together, the Cyber Crime Police Station and Zonal Cyber Cells facilitated refunds exceeding ₹1.56 crore during September.
140 social media profiles taken down
In a parallel crackdown on fraudulent online advertisements and objectionable content, the Cyber Crime Police identified and secured the removal of 140 Facebook and Instagram profiles during September.
The profiles were linked to 30 paid advertisements promoting content involving minors using abusive or obscene language to attract views, followers and monetisation.
Police also detected advertisements promoting fraudulent schemes involving old and rare coins, ₹5 tractor-design currency notes and currency notes bearing the serial number 786. Other advertisements offered misleading betting predictions, guaranteed winnings, matrimonial arrangements, private video-call services and fraudulent employment opportunities.
As part of the ongoing cyber patrol initiative, the police have cumulatively identified and taken down 1,457 social media profiles and 2,603 paid promotional advertisements associated with online gaming, illegal betting and fake investment websites targeting users in India. Nine FIRs have been registered against those promoting such activities.
Meanwhile, under the C-Mitra victim-assistance initiative, police made 1,928 calls to cybercrime victims during September to provide guidance and support. They also registered 307 Zero FIRs to facilitate prompt legal action.
The police urged citizens to remain cautious about fake investment groups, malicious APK files, impersonation of government officials and digital arrest threats. Victims were advised to immediately report cyber fraud through the national helpline 1930 or the cybercrime reporting portal to improve the chances of recovering their money.
Published – October 10, 2026 07:15 pm IST
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