Thiruvananthapuram: In a major statewide operation, the Kerala Police Cyber Division has arrested 286 individuals in connection with various online financial fraud cases. The special drive, conducted in coordination with police stations across the state, marks one of the largest cybercrime crackdowns in recent times. As a direct result of the operation, a sum of ₹6.5 crore was successfully recovered and returned to victims who had lodged complaints.
According to official data, the first quarter of 2025 witnessed an alarming 9,539 complaints related to cyber fraud across Kerala. Acting swiftly, the Cyber Division managed to block ₹26.26 crore worth of fraudulent transactions from being siphoned off, with the funds currently held in bank accounts pending legal proceedings. Once court formalities are completed, the remaining blocked amount will also be refunded to the respective complainants.
Beyond the financial recovery, the Cyber Police succeeded in freezing over 61,000 bank accounts, 18,653 SIM cards, and 59,218 mobile phones or IMEI numbers used in fraudulent activities. This wide-reaching action demonstrates the state’s determination to dismantle the infrastructure behind online scams.
Authorities have stressed the critical importance of timing in fraud reporting. Victims stand the best chance of recovering their money if they file a complaint within the so-called “Golden Hour” the first hour after the money is lost. Police urged the public to promptly report incidents by dialing the toll-free helpline 1930 or visiting the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in.
The Kerala Police Cyber Division reaffirmed its commitment to fighting digital crime and encouraged citizens to remain cautious while engaging in online financial transactions.