In one of the biggest cybercrime crackdowns in recent times, Hyderabad City Police launched Operation Octopus 2.0, leading to the arrest of 52 accused, including 32 bank officials, allegedly linked to organised cyber fraud syndicates operating across multiple states.
The large-scale operation was conducted over seven days and covered nine states, reflecting the expanding reach and complexity of digital fraud networks in India. According to police officials, the accused include bank employees, mule account holders, agents, and middlemen who allegedly played a key role in helping cybercriminals move and hide stolen money.
Investigators revealed that some bank officials are suspected of assisting in opening fraudulent accounts, bypassing verification norms, and enabling suspicious transactions. Mule account holders allegedly allowed their bank accounts to be used for routing scam money, while intermediaries connected fraudsters with insiders and account providers.
The crackdown was led by DCP (Cybercrimes) V. Aravind Babu and ACP R.G. Siva Maruthi, with coordinated teams conducting raids and arrests in different parts of the country. Officials described the operation as a strategic move to dismantle the support system that allows online scams to flourish.
Cyber fraud has become a growing concern, with criminals using fake investment schemes, phishing calls, loan app scams, and impersonation tactics to cheat innocent people. Police say such crimes cannot succeed without networks that provide bank accounts and insider access.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious while sharing personal or banking details online, verify unknown calls and messages, and report suspicious activity immediately. More investigations are underway, and further arrests may follow as digital evidence is examined.
Operation Octopus 2.0 sends a strong warning that cybercrime enablers—whether insiders or outside operators—will face strict legal action.
