Operation 'Cyber Kavach’: 15 fraudsters involved in Rs 5 crore scam arrested from Odisha’s Jharsuguda

In a significant breakthrough, Jharsuguda Police on Thursday arrested 15 members of a cyber fraud gang accused of cheating people out of more than Rs 5 crore. The arrests were made from different police station jurisdictions as part of a coordinated operation.

Under operation 'Cyber Kavach', Police made the arrest and seized their mobile phones, SIM cards, bank documents and other electronic devices used in the commission of the crimes. 

Modus Operandi Exposed

Investigations revealed that the accused lured unsuspecting individuals with financial incentives to open bank accounts in their names. Once the accounts were created, the fraudsters took control of passbooks, ATM cards and SIM cards linked to those accounts.

“The operation, named Cyber Kavach, is being carried out across Odisha with a primary focus on cracking down on mule accounts. So far, six cases have been registered. In the Jharsuguda Sub-Division, four cases have been registered at Jharsuguda Police Station, Airport Police Station, Sadar Police Station and Badmal Police Station. In the Brajraj Sub-Division, cases have been registered at Belpahar and Lakhanpur police stations. The approximate transaction amount involved is over Rs 5 crore 30 lakh, with the funds routed through mule accounts. In connection with these cases, 15 individuals have been arrested, 13 from the Jharsuguda Sub-Division and two from Lakhanpur. Additionally, notices have been served to five individuals in Belpahar.” said G.R. Raghavendra, SP, Jharsuguda.

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These banking documents and SIM cards were subsequently handed over to cyber criminals operating in different parts of the country, enabling them to route, layer and conceal the proceeds of fraud. 

The arrests represent a significant breakthrough under Odisha Police’s dedicated anti-cybercrime initiative, Cyber Kavach. The successful operation underscores the state’s intensified efforts to dismantle organised online financial fraud networks and send a strong message that those involved in cybercrime will be identified and brought to justice.