A large-scale cybercrime network running digital fraud and extortion operations worth more than Rs 50 crore has been dismantled after a coordinated police operation spanning seven Indian states, officials said. The crackdown led to the detention of 10 suspects, including the individual believed to be directing the syndicate’s activities from outside Delhi.
The operation was carried out earlier this month by the Southeast District of Delhi Police, who launched near-simultaneous raids in Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, Odisha, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Investigators said the most significant arrests took place in Kerala, where the alleged ringleader was based, and in metropolitan hubs such as Delhi and Mumbai.
Police officials revealed that the syndicate had been under scrutiny following dozens of complaints filed on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal. At least 61 cases were eventually traced back to the same network, prompting a deeper probe that uncovered its nationwide footprint and overseas connections.
Investigations suggest the group functioned through a layered structure, with separate teams handling victim targeting, technical execution and financial routing. Victims were allegedly trapped using fake digital identities, deceptive online communications and intimidation-based extortion methods.
While operational control was exercised from Kerala, the syndicate’s technical backbone and money movement were reportedly managed by associates stationed in Delhi and Mumbai. These members are believed to have overseen the rapid circulation of fraud proceeds through multiple bank accounts to obscure the trail of funds.
During the searches, police recovered electronic devices and paperwork linked to suspected mule accounts. Authorities said forensic analysis of the seized material is underway and is expected to reveal further participants, financial pathways and possible international collaborators.
