Telangana Police Launch Operation Crackdown on Cybercrime

The Telangana Police has launched “Operation Crackdown”, a statewide drive aimed at dismantling organised cybercrime networks and curbing financial fraud. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) in coordination with district police units and commissionerates.

The operation will be conducted in phases over the coming months, focusing initially on mule bank accounts used to channel proceeds of cyber fraud.

Focus on Mule Bank Accounts

Data analysis by TGCSB revealed that 4,775 mule accounts were operated in Telangana during 2025. In the first phase, 1,888 suspected mule accounts across 137 bank branches in 16 districts were taken up for verification.

These accounts are linked to 9,431 cybercrime connections nationwide, including 782 cases within Telangana. Police deployed 137 teams comprising 512 personnel to conduct simultaneous inspections at the identified branches, collecting KYC documents and examining transaction records.

Preliminary Findings Raise Concerns

Initial findings suggest that several bank branches host multiple mule accounts, in some cases running into hundreds. Authorities have raised concerns about potential collusion by bank staff and the role of organised agent networks facilitating account creation.

In Hyderabad’s Sultan Bazaar, a single account was reportedly linked to 496 complaints across various jurisdictions. In Suryapet district, four bank branches were found to have 298 accounts connected to cybercrime cases.

Systemic Gaps and Financial Trail Analysis

Officials observed that certain smaller banks lacking independent RTGS facilities routed transactions through national banks, sometimes with inadequate verification of account holders. Such gaps are being exploited by cybercriminals to move illicit funds.

Important Facts for Exams

• Mule accounts are bank accounts used to transfer illegally obtained funds.
• KYC (Know Your Customer) norms are mandated under RBI guidelines.
• RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) enables high-value fund transfers.
• Cybercrime includes online financial fraud and digital identity theft.

Next Steps in the Crackdown

The Telangana Police stated that the operation will intensify with deeper verification, profiling of account holders and tracing financial trails. Strict legal action will be initiated wherever evidence of organised fraud or institutional negligence is established, as authorities seek to curb the growing threat of digital financial crime.