Hyderabad Police Nabs 117 People in Feb. 2026 for Committing Cybercrimes
During the special operation called “Operation Octopus” carried out during the month, the cyber crime police, along with the law and order and law enforcement teams of the Hyderabad police, arrested 117 people from 16 different states in connection with 74 cases registered at the cyber crime police station.
Of the total cases detected, 63 were related to trade and investment fraud, half a dozen digital arrest cases, four OTP scams and one social media. A total of Rs 34.76 lakh was successfully returned to the victims.
The arrested persons were found to be involved in 1081 cases across India and transactions amounting to around 139 billion rupees were recorded in their bank accounts.
Police seized Rs 36 lakh in cash, 221 mobile phones, 26 laptops, 115 check books, 141 SIM cards, 54 debit cards, 56 money stamps, a cash counting machine, 152 passbooks, five trade licences, six audit reports and three books.
In February 2026, regional cyber cells received 2963 NCRP petitions against which 461 FIRs were registered. A total of 11 people involved in nine cases were arrested by regional cyber cells across India and a total of Rs 24.10 lakh was returned to the victims.
During the month, cybercrime police, through continuous cyber patrol, digital monitoring and intelligence-based monitoring, identified 124 profiles running 539 paid advertisements promoting online gaming and betting apps on Facebook and Instagram targeting users in India. These ads attract users, especially young people, with promises of easy money, bonuses and referral commissions, thus encouraging them to participate in illegal betting activities.
As a preventive measure, all 124 profiles identified were reported to the relevant platforms and taken down to prevent further dissemination of such content. Studies are continuing to identify the users of 124 profiles.
The C-Mitra initiative has carried out significant victim assistance activities. A total of 2,396 calls were made to provide guidance and support to the victims, 257 zero FIRs were registered based on complaints received; This is a reflection of ongoing efforts to provide timely assistance and prompt legal action in cybercrime cases.
