Delhi Police Launch ‘Operation Cyber Hawk’ Arrested 700 Cybercriminals for ₹1,000 Crore Fraud
“Delhi Police launched ‘Operation Cyber Hawk’ resulted in the arrest of 700 Cybercriminals.”
The Delhi Police launched a massive crackdown known as “Operation Cyber Hawk,” one of the most coordinated efforts against cybercrime in recent years. In just 48 hours, over 700 hackers were apprehended and detained.
The operation, which was carried out in concert by the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) branch and all district police units, represents a significant advancement in the destruction of organized digital fraud networks that have been active throughout the National Capital Region.
Exposure of a Wide-Scale Fraud Network
According to preliminary findings, the cyber syndicates that were the focus of this operation were together accountable for a stunning ₹1,000 crore in fraudulent transactions that covered a variety of online deception categories.
The police teams targeted rackets that engaged in illegal digital payment activities, phishing, investment fraud, customer service impersonation schemes, and online cheating. At several designated hotspots around Delhi and the surrounding areas, the coordinated raids were carried out concurrently.
Mobile phones, laptops, computer systems, routers, modems, and call-routing tools were among the many digital gadgets that police teams confiscated during these investigations. Fake SIM cards, debit cards, account-opening kits, and a sizable number of falsified documents were also found.
In order to identify connections between regional modules and more extensive national cybercrime networks, investigators have started analyzing the material that has been collected.
Officials
| Despite the fact that over 700 people have been found or arrested, this figure is probably going to increase as technical teams continue to interpret digital evidence. Numerous bank accounts that were utilized to transfer and launder illegal proceeds have already been found and frozen. |
Innovation After Previous Call Center Failure
After Delhi Police recently discovered an international phony contact center operating out of Satbari village in South Delhi, the massive crackdown under Operation Cyber Hawk got further impetus.
Despite operating out of a domestic building, the illicit center was painstakingly built to look like a professional customer service establishment.
Reports state that the center specifically targeted foreigners and depended on:
- VoIP-based calling systems
- Stolen foreign consumer databases
- Fabricated communication scripts
- Multiple computer terminals, mobile devices, and software tools
- Internet-based caller-masking technology
During the operation, police detained eight people, one of them was a woman. Minutes before the crew arrived at the location, Sanu, the principal operator, was able to flee. He is thought to be the mastermind behind other similar fraud activities in the area and is known to have a prior criminal record. Finding and capturing him is the sole responsibility of a special team.
The property utilized for the illicit call center was registered in the name of Sanu’s younger brother, Rehan, also known as Tinny, according to additional investigation. In order to track out the funds for the arrangement, authorities have sealed the facility and are checking its rental agreements, utility connections, and financial relationships.
Operations Designed to Look Authentic
The physical design, equipment placement, and communication procedures of the call center were purposefully set up to mimic a real customer service operation, according to investigators.
This made it possible for the accused to win over gullible victims, especially foreigners who thought they were contacting government hotlines. To retain the appearance of authenticity, automated systems, professional-sounding welcomes, and scripted conversations were employed.
Police Officials
| All of the detained suspects are presently being questioned in-depth. Deeper ties to cybercrime modules operating throughout India are anticipated to be revealed by combining their statements with technological evidence recovered from devices and servers. |
Delhi Police
| Operation Cyber Hawk is a component of a bigger, ongoing effort to reduce cybercrime rather than a one-time event. Several teams are searching for financial traces, money-mule networks, SIM card providers, and software developers connected to the detained suspects while the study of the confiscated data continues. |
Senior Officers
| After the continuing digital forensic assessments are finished, there might be more arrests and property seizures. |
Additionally, the police advised the public to stay alert, confirm the identity of unfamiliar callers, refrain from disclosing private information online, and report any suspicious internet activity right away.
About The Author
Suraj Koli is a content specialist in technical writing about cybersecurity & information security. He has written many amazing articles related to cybersecurity concepts, with the latest trends in cyber awareness and ethical hacking. Find out more about “Him.”
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