Massive Arrests in Operation Octopus

Cyber criminals are increasingly exploiting people’s greed and fear using smartphones, with investment and trading scams emerging as the most common cybercrime in 2026. Despite police awareness campaigns, many victims are still falling for promises of high returns and losing their life savings. Other major frauds include digital arrest scams, fake job offers, matrimonial frauds, and UPI related crimes.

In 2024, a total of 27,230 cyber cases were registered across the state. Although the number of cases has slightly declined in 2025–26, the severity and financial losses have increased. In February alone, 78 FIRs were registered in Hyderabad cybercrime units. Police conducted “Operation Octopus” across 16 states, arresting 117 interstate cyber criminals linked to 74 cases.

Investigations revealed that these accused were involved in over 1,081 cyber cases nationwide, with illegal transactions worth around ₹139 crore. Of the 74 cases solved, 63 were investment frauds, followed by 6 digital arrest cases, 4 OTP frauds, and 1 social media fraud case. Police also seized cash, mobile phones, laptops, SIM cards, and froze multiple fake accounts while recovering around ₹59 lakh for victims.