Delhi Police has executed a high-intensity, 48-hour coordinated offensive across 20 states and Union Territories to dismantle the financial infrastructure of organized cyber fraud syndicates. The operation, codenamed CyHawk 4.0, concluded on the morning of April 8, resulting in the arrest of 660 suspects and the questioning of more than 8,000 individuals linked to a defrauded amount totaling ₹519 crore. Utilizing real-time intelligence and hotspot mapping provided by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, over 600 specialized teams carried out simultaneous raids in regions including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal to neutralize illicit call centres and freeze the flow of funds through thousands of identified mule accounts.
(With TOI inputs)
Operation CyHawk 4.0 Execution and Arrests
The 48-hour operation, conducted from 8 am on April 6 to 8 am on April 8, led to the rounding up of 8,371 people for questioning and verification. Delhi Police arrested 660 suspects and bound down 744 others linked to cybercrime activities, while at least 499 FIRs were registered during the crackdown. "Operation CyHawk reflects Delhi Police's unwavering commitment to stay ahead of cyber criminals through intelligence-led and technology-driven policing. By targeting the financial and operational backbone of these networks, we have delivered a decisive blow to organised cyber fraud," Police Commissioner Satish Golchha told TOI.₹519 Crore Linked to Mule Accounts
Police reported that over ₹519 crore in defrauded amounts, recorded through complaints on the NCRP portal, has been linked with multiple mule accounts and scamsters' accounts. The operation specifically targeted key elements of cyber fraud networks, including mule accounts used to siphon, park, and layer money, as well as foot soldiers handling cash withdrawals. Commissioner Satish Golchha added, "This operation sends a strong and unequivocal message. Those who exploit citizens through digital means will be identified, tracked and be brought to justice. Our efforts will continue with greater intensity to ensure a cyber-safe Delhi and to contribute towards a cyber-secure India."Neutralising Illicit Call Centres and Hotspot Mapping
Working closely with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the MHA, police conducted hotspot mapping and analyzed suspicious mobile numbers to verify account holders. Joint CP (southern) Vijay Kumar told TOI that multiple illegal call centres were neutralised, halting ongoing and potential scams targeting people across India. "During raids across multiple locations, Delhi Police found a large volume of digital devices - including phones, laptops, hard drives, SIM cards, debit/credit cards, financial records, diaries, and other incriminating materials. These are now being forensically analysed by cyber experts," Vijay Kumar added.Investigation of Interstate Financial Chains
The raids produced extensive financial data and digital evidence currently under detailed technical analysis. Joint CP (IFSO) Rajneesh Gupta told TOI that several accused were apprehended, providing breakthroughs in previous investigations, with 3,564 NCRP complaints linked to identified mule accounts and mobile networks. A total of 2,203 notices were issued to individuals linked to the backward financial and operational chains of cyber fraud modules. Police stated these actions have significantly weakened the operational backbone of numerous cyber fraud syndicates operating from the capital.(With TOI inputs)
