In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, Rajasthan Police arrested 30 individuals involved in cyber fraud on Saturday, January 11, 2025. The arrests were the result of coordinated raids conducted across 40 locations in five police station areas in Jaipur. The accused, linked to eight separate gangs, are suspected of fraudulent activities amounting to ₹30 crore. Additionally, two minors connected to these cybercrime operations were also detained.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Jaipur West), Amit Kumar, the arrested individuals were not only actively engaged in cyber fraud but were also training others in sophisticated techniques to deceive victims. The gangs employed various deceptive strategies, including impersonating monks and astrologers to exploit vulnerable individuals by offering rituals to solve personal problems.
A notable suspect, a 25-year-old from the Tonk district, had reportedly received specialized cybercrime training in Sri Lanka. This international connection highlights the organized and transnational nature of these criminal operations, reflecting a growing trend in cyber-enabled economic crimes.
‘Operation Cyber Shield’: A Targeted Response to Rising Cybercrime
Launched on January 2, 2025, the month-long ‘Operation Cyber Shield’ is a dedicated campaign aimed at combating the surge in cybercrime across Rajasthan. This initiative focuses on dismantling the infrastructure supporting organized cyber-enabled financial fraud, addressing public complaints, and raising cybersecurity awareness among citizens.
Key achievements of the operation's initial phase include:
- Blocked Bank Accounts: 135 bank accounts linked to fraudulent transactions were blocked.
- Unified Payments Interfaces (UPIs): 64 UPIs were frozen to disrupt the flow of illicit funds.
- ATM Seizures: 20 ATMs used in the scams were deactivated.
These proactive measures aim to cut off financial channels used by cybercriminals and prevent further victimization.
Seized Items and Ongoing Investigations
During the raids, authorities seized a significant amount of equipment used in fraudulent operations. The recovered items include:
- Laptops and mobile phones for executing and managing scams.
- ATM cards and WiFi routers to facilitate transactions and maintain anonymity.
- CCTV cameras and HDMI cables potentially used for surveillance and monitoring.
- Bank passbooks, cheque books, and passports indicating attempts at identity fraud and money laundering.
Six criminal cases have been registered under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act at Kardhani, Kalwar, Harmada, Karni Vihar, and Bindayaka police stations. These cases are currently under detailed investigation.
The alarming rise in cybercrime across Rajasthan — especially in digital arrest scams, online betting frauds, and financial scams — has led authorities to prioritize immediate action. Many victims of these frauds are elderly individuals and women, who are often targeted due to their perceived vulnerability.
To counter this, the Cyber Crime Branch has initiated “hotspot mapping” to identify and monitor regions with a high frequency of cybercriminal activity. This strategic approach aids in disrupting criminal networks and preventing future offenses.
Beyond enforcement, ‘Operation Cyber Shield’ emphasizes public education on cybersecurity. The campaign aims to:
- Raise Awareness: Inform citizens about common cyber fraud tactics to prevent victimization.
- Address Complaints Promptly: Ensure that public grievances related to cybercrime are effectively resolved.
- Prevent Cybercrime: Equip individuals with knowledge and tools to recognize and report suspicious activities.
By combining stringent law enforcement with widespread awareness efforts, Rajasthan Police seeks to curb the growing menace of cyber fraud and build a more secure digital environment for its citizens.
The success of this operation underscores Rajasthan Police's commitment to dismantling cybercrime networks and protecting citizens from digital threats. ‘Operation Cyber Shield’ not only aims to bring offenders to justice but also empowers the public to stay vigilant against cybercriminal tactics.
As the campaign progresses, authorities continue to urge citizens to report suspicious online activities and adopt safe digital practices. Through proactive measures and community involvement, Rajasthan moves closer to safeguarding its people from the ever-evolving challenges of cybercrime.
