Chandigarh Police launch interstate crackdown to track down cyber fraudsters

The Chandigarh Police have launched a large crackdown against cyber crime, spreading their operations across 10 states. Between January and August this year, the Cyber Crime police station arrested 109 accused from six states, froze illegal money worth ₹2.91 crore, and seized electronic devices linked to online fraud.

This extensive action comes as cyber scams continue to rise, affecting residents in Chandigarh and beyond. The arrests and raids have exposed the wide and connected nature of cyber crime networks, showing how modules in different parts of India – and even abroad – work together to cheat people.

Major crackdown and key seizures

The cyber police carried out 56 raids in states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, West Bengal, Delhi NCR, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Bihar. These states were identified as hotspots of cyber fraud.

The maximum arrests came from Rajasthan (36), followed by Uttar Pradesh (23), Haryana (12), Punjab (11), Jharkhand (4), and West Bengal (3). The remaining 20 arrests were made across the other four states.

Apart from these arrests, the police froze ₹2.91 crore linked to fraudulent activities. They also seized 170 mobile phones, five laptops, and six SIM boxes that were being used to run cyber scams. Officers said these seizures are crucial because such devices are the backbone of digital crime.

Investigations revealed that cyber gangs used advanced methods to cheat people. Many fraudsters worked from remote areas with poor internet connectivity, making it harder for the police to track them. Still, officers relied on technical intelligence, digital footprint analysis, and coordination with state police to dismantle these operations.

One breakthrough revealed that an international syndicate was operating from Cambodia, Hong Kong, Laos, and Myanmar. This group was running “digital arrest” scams in India by pretending to be police officers and trapping victims through automated IVR calls. Such revelations show that cyber crime is no longer just a local issue but part of a global network.

Challenges in raids and investigations

Despite the big successes, police officials admit that such operations are never easy. Each raid requires cooperation with the state police where criminals are based. Legal permissions, paperwork, and coordination often slow down the process, even though platforms like the central government’s Samanvya Portal have improved information sharing.

Cyber criminals are also highly skilled in hiding their identity. They use tools like VoIP calls, VPNs, and spoofed numbers to mask their location. Many fraudsters procure SIM cards and bank accounts with fake documents, often using temporary addresses. Some even shift their equipment regularly, operating in rotational shifts to avoid being caught.

Officers said it is common to raid hideouts only to find them empty because gangs quickly move their base. Villages with rented rooms are often used as temporary setups, making detection difficult.

Another major challenge is the use of mule bank accounts. Investigations revealed that some people in Chandigarh knowingly allowed their accounts to be used by cyber criminals. These individuals, for a small commission, let fraudsters transfer money through their bank accounts, withdraw cash, or use them for ATM fraud.

The police also found suspicious Point of Sale (POS) fraud SIM cards being used by these networks. Such SIM cards, often bought with fake identities, allow fraudsters to bypass banking security systems and carry out illegal digital transactions without being traced easily.

Authorities are now keeping a close watch on bank accounts suspected of being linked to fraud. Banks have been directed to report any unusual withdrawals or third-party transfers immediately.

Officials added that the “Pratibimb” module of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has helped map the locations of cyber criminals and their infrastructure. This visibility allows police officers across different states to track suspects and work together more effectively.

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A growing fight against cyber crime

The Chandigarh Police crackdown highlights both the scale of cyber crime and the determination of authorities to fight it. With more than 100 arrests in just eight months, the message is clear – criminals who think they can hide behind digital tools and remote villages are being tracked down systematically.

At the same time, experts warn that cyber fraudsters will continue to evolve. They are quick to find new loopholes and technology to cheat people. This means law enforcement agencies will need constant upgrades in training, equipment, and cross-border cooperation.

For residents, the biggest lesson is to remain alert. Cyber criminals often use fear, urgency, or false promises to trap victims. Fake calls, fraudulent links, and misleading investment offers are among the most common tricks. Authorities advise people not to share personal information, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and immediately report any suspicious calls or transactions.

The Chandigarh Police believe their crackdown has already reduced the number of fraud attempts in the region. But with cyber networks spread across states and even foreign countries, the fight is far from over. Each raid not only brings arrests but also fresh clues that help uncover new layers of this vast criminal web.

In the coming months, more coordinated efforts between state police forces, central agencies, and banks are expected. While challenges remain, the Chandigarh Police action shows that with persistence and cooperation, even the most elusive cyber criminals can be tracked down.