Kerala Police Arrest 263 in Statewide Cybercrime Crackdown ‘Cy-Hunt’

In one of the largest coordinated operations against cyber and financial crimes in the state, the Kerala Police arrested 263 individuals and placed 125 others under surveillance during a massive crackdown titled ‘Cy-Hunt’. The state-wide operation, aimed at curbing cyber-enabled financial fraud, resulted in the registration of 382 cases, according to Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) S. Sreejith.

The operation, which began at 6 a.m. on Thursday, was carried out simultaneously across all police station limits under the supervision of Range DIGs and District Police Chiefs from the Kerala Police Cyber Operations Division.

Those arrested are suspected of participating in organised cyber-financial crimes, including the withdrawal of fraudulently obtained funds through cheques and ATMs, as well as profiting illegally by renting out their bank accounts to cyber fraudsters in exchange for commissions.

Police said the investigation was launched after data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal revealed thousands of suspicious transactions. The data identified 2,683 individuals involved in cheque-based withdrawals, 361 who withdrew money using ATMs, and 665 who rented out their accounts for fraudulent use. Arrests were made after detailed evidence collection and verification.

According to officials, the suspects were linked to a range of scams, including online trading frauds, social media advertisement scams, fake loan and investment offers, and fraudulent online job schemes. Authorities added that the operation will continue in phases to dismantle wider networks operating across the state.

In Ernakulam Rural district alone, police arrested 43 individuals after conducting checks at 102 locations. In Muvattupuzha, 36 premises were searched and seven suspects were taken into custody. The coordinated raids, led by Rural District Police Chief M. Hemalatha, involved personnel from all five sub-divisions.

Those arrested in the Muvattupuzha area were identified as Muhammad Yaseen (22) from Varappetty, Ernakulam; Mahin Muhammad (19); and Shamon (32) from Nellikkuzhi.

In a separate set of raids in the Kothamangalam region, police detained eight individuals following inspections at 21 locations. The arrested were identified as Ashwin Santhosh (20) of Kuthukuzhy; Abi Shiju (19) and Fayaz Muhammad (22) of Thankalam; Mahin Aliyar (23) of Cheruvathur; and Thameem Ali (19) from Irumalappadi.

Police officials said ‘Cy-Hunt’ marks the beginning of a long-term effort to identify and dismantle organised cybercrime networks operating in Kerala. Further investigations and arrests are expected in the coming days.