Delhi Police Launches CyHawk 4.0 Operation in Major Cybercrime Crackdown
In a sweeping and coordinated effort, Delhi Police deployed more than 600 specialized teams to conduct extensive raids targeting cybercrime networks not only within the capital city but also across over 20 states and Union territories. This large-scale operation, named CyHawk 4.0, was meticulously executed over a 48-hour period from April 6 at 8 am to April 8 at 8 am, aiming to dismantle the financial and operational infrastructure of organized cyber fraud syndicates that have been exploiting citizens through digital means.
Massive Arrests and Financial Links Uncovered
The operation resulted in the rounding up of 8,371 individuals for questioning and verification, with police arresting 660 suspects and binding down 744 others directly linked to cybercrime activities. Authorities registered at least 499 First Information Reports (FIRs) as part of the crackdown. A staggering amount of over Rs 519 crore in defrauded funds, reported through cyber complaints on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), has been successfully linked to multiple mule accounts and scamsters' accounts, highlighting the extensive financial impact of these criminal networks.
Targeting Key Elements of Cyber Fraud
Operation CyHawk 4.0 focused on critical components of cyber fraud operations, including mule accounts used to siphon, park, and layer illicit money. The raids specifically targeted foot soldiers and agents responsible for cash withdrawals and fund transfers, as well as illicit call centers involved in various deceptive schemes such as job scams, telemarketing fraud, and tech support scams. Significant operations were carried out in states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal, demonstrating the nationwide reach of this initiative.
Leadership and Strategic Collaboration
Police Commissioner Satish Golchha emphasized the operation's significance, stating, "Operation CyHawk reflects Delhi Police's unwavering commitment to stay ahead of cyber criminals through intelligence-led and technology-driven policing. By targeting the financial and operational backbone of these networks, we have delivered a decisive blow to organized cyber fraud." He added that this action sends a strong message that those exploiting citizens digitally will be identified, tracked, and brought to justice, with ongoing efforts to ensure a cyber-safe Delhi and contribute to a cyber-secure India.
The operation was conducted in close collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. This partnership involved hotspot mapping, analysis of suspicious mobile numbers, verification of account holders, and corroboration of links with cyber complaints nationwide. I4C's real-time backend support and analytical insights were pivotal in translating raw intelligence into actionable enforcement, enhancing the effectiveness of the raids.
Neutralizing Illegal Call Centers and Seizing Evidence
Joint Commissioner of Police (Southern) Vijay Kumar reported that multiple illegal call centers were neutralized during the operation, halting ongoing and potential scams targeting people across India. He noted, "During raids across multiple locations, Delhi Police found a large volume of digital devices — including phones, laptops, hard drives, SIM cards, debit/credit cards, financial records, diaries, and other incriminating materials. These are now being forensically analysed by cyber experts." The seizures have provided extensive financial data and digital evidence, which are under detailed technical analysis to pursue further leads and expand investigations into interstate and backward chains.
Breakthroughs and Ongoing Investigations
Joint Commissioner of Police (IFSO) Rajneesh Gupta highlighted that several accused were apprehended, leading to breakthroughs in previous investigations. A total of 3,564 NCRP complaints were linked to identified mule accounts and mobile networks, establishing robust investigative connections. Additionally, police issued 2,203 notices to individuals associated with the backward financial and operational chains of cyber fraud modules. These actions have significantly weakened the operational backbone of numerous cyber fraud syndicates operating from the capital, marking a major step forward in combating digital crime in India.
