Cyber-KAVACH Drive Targets Cyber Financial Fraud in Odisha
Central Range Police verify nearly 10,000 suspected mule bank accounts and arrest 31 individuals during special anti-cybercrime operation.
The Central Range Police in Cuttack conducted a special enforcement campaign titled “Cyber-KAVACH” from 13 February to 9 March 2026 across seven districts of Odisha—Puri, Cuttack, Khordha, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Nayagarh—to curb cyber financial fraud and dismantle networks operating mule bank accounts and fraudulent SIM card issuance.
During the operation, police carried out extensive verification of bank accounts suspected to be linked with cyber fraud activities. In total, 9,782 suspected mule accounts were verified across the Central Range. Following the verification process, authorities registered 339 new cases and issued 1,366 notices to account holders and other individuals connected to the accounts.
The drive also resulted in the arrest of 31 accused persons, while 26 cases were linked with previously registered FIRs, enabling investigators to uncover wider cyber-fraud networks. Officials noted that several mule accounts were being operated across different states, indicating interstate connections in cybercrime operations.
As part of financial disruption efforts, police blocked or froze ₹50,60,280 involved in suspicious transactions. Investigators also examined cash-out channels, verifying 1,175 ATM withdrawals and 159 cheque withdrawals linked to suspected fraudulent accounts. Through coordination with banks and financial institutions, authorities successfully blocked ₹32,33,327 from ATM withdrawals and ₹13,94,124 from cheque transactions.
The campaign further targeted Point-of-Sale (PoS) agents suspected of issuing SIM cards in bulk using fraudulent documents. Police verified 20 PoS outlets, registered seven cases, and served five notices, while several transactions remain under investigation.
Central Range Police reiterated their commitment to intensifying action against cybercrime networks and urged citizens to remain cautious against online fraud. Victims of cyber financial fraud are advised to report incidents immediately by calling 1930 or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
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