The police found out about the scam after noticing a big increase in online fraud reports in the city over the last six months.
Many people had lost money through fake calls, fake job websites, and investment scams. After a long period of monitoring, using digital tools, and working with police in other states, the detectives traced the gang’s activities back to several hiding places in Hyderabad and nearby towns.
According to the police, the group had a complex system to avoid being caught.
Some members made fake bank accounts with false documents. Others pretended to be bank officials or law enforcement to trick people into giving away their personal information. Another group helped move the stolen money through cryptocurrency or online payment systems.
The Scale of the Fraud
Hyderabad Police Commissioner K. Sharat Chandra said the 25 people involved are connected to 453 fraud cases from states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Delhi.
The police estimate the stolen money could be more than ₹40 crore, and this number might go up after more checks.
The police have frozen many bank accounts, seized 200 SIM cards, 150 phones, and found a lot of cash and digital money.
These arrests give some hope to people who have been scammed but rarely got justice.
How the Scammers Worked
The gang used several common and effective tactics to trick people:
Fake Calls – They pretended to be customer service workers, convincing victims to share their One-Time Passwords and account details.
Fake Loans and Jobs – They created fake websites offering fast loans or great jobs, then asked people to pay a fee to get them.
Fake Investments – They lured people into fake stock or crypto schemes, promising high returns.
Fake Arrest Threats – Some scammers pretended to be police or CBI officers, threatening to arrest victims unless they sent money.
What made this group dangerous was its ability to change tactics quickly.
After one scam became known, they would move to another, staying ahead of the public.
Victims Share Their Stories
Many victims came to the cybercrime office after the arrests.
One retired government worker said he lost ₹18 lakh in a fake insurance scam.Another young IT worker admitted to losing ₹2.5 lakh in a fake crypto investment. “I had given up hope that my money could be found,” said Ramesh, a resident of Hyderabad. “This news gives me some relief, even if it will take time to get my money back. At least these people will face the law.”
A Larger Problem
Cybercrime in India is increasing rapidly.
According to official data, about 80% of fraud cases in 2025 involved online scams. Experts say while digital payments make life easier, they also open the door for criminals. “People are still learning the basics of online safety,” said Professor Meera Reddy, a cyber law expert. “Scammers use fear, greed, and urgency. They get people to act before they think. Unless awareness improves, police will always be playing catch-up.”
The Police Response
The Hyderabad Police said this operation is part of a larger effort to stop cybercriminals.
They are now collaborating with banks, telecom companies, and national cyber agencies to track money and block harmful accounts in real time. Authorities also encourage citizens to use the 1930 cybercrime helpline to report fraud quickly. “Reporting quickly increases the chance of getting the stolen money back,” said Commissioner Chandra.
There’s More to Do
So far, nearly ₹7 crore has been recovered and returned to victims connected to this group.
The police expect this number to grow as they check more accounts. However, they warned that returning money is a long process due to legal and banking procedures.
“Recovering stolen money in cybercrime isn’t as simple as taking cash.
The stolen money is often moved quickly into many accounts. Tracing, freezing, and returning the money requires working with many banks,” said a senior officer.
A New Awareness Campaign
In response to the arrests, the Hyderabad Police announced a new awareness campaign in schools, colleges, and community centers.
Workshops will teach people how to recognize scam messages, protect their data, and report suspicious activity quickly.
“Technology is a powerful tool.
We want people to use it safely without falling for scams. Prevention is better than cure,” said Commissioner Chandra.
The Road Ahead
Cybersecurity experts warn that even though this group has been caught, many similar groups are still active.
Some operate across borders, with links to networks in Southeast Asia. Experts say stronger laws, faster court processes, and better international cooperation are needed to fight this growing problem.
For now, the arrest of 25 people in Hyderabad is a big win for law enforcement.
It shows that criminals can’t hide forever from justice, and it reminds everyone to be careful with their online activities.
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