CNN Central News and Network – ITDC India Express / ITDC News Bhopal Tamil Nadu’s Cybercrime Wing has launched an extensive statewide operation, dubbed ‘Operation Thiraineeku,’ to tackle rising incidents of cyber fraud. The operation has led to the arrest of 70 individuals linked to 135 cybercrime complaints, marking a major breakthrough in dismantling organized cybercriminal networks.

Key Highlights of the Operation:

  • Arrests and Oversight: Special teams formed under the supervision of District Superintendents of Police and Commissioners carried out the operation, planned by the State Cyber Crime Wing and overseen by ADGP (Cyber Crime) Sandeep Mittal.
  • Data-Driven Approach: Investigators used the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) database, and financial data analysis to profile suspects and trace bank fund trails linked to 158 complaints.
  • Focus on Financial Fraud: Arrested suspects are being interrogated, and digital evidence is under scrutiny to uncover deeper layers of cybercriminal operations.

Alarming Cybercrime Statistics in Tamil Nadu:

  • In Greater Chennai, 1,679 cybercrime cases were reported between January and August 2024, with financial fraud accounting for losses of approximately ₹189 crore.
  • Coimbatore has also seen a sharp rise in cybercrime cases, with ₹93 crore siphoned off this year, compared to ₹3 crore in 2021 and ₹48 crore in 2023.
  • Statewide, the cybercrime unit received 6,798 complaints in 2024, leading to 255 FIRs and ₹93.04 crore in reported losses.

Judicial and Recovery Initiatives:
Following a Madras High Court directive in July 2024, judicial officers can initiate recovery processes for cybercrime losses based on NCRP complaints and cybercrime police reports, even without filing an FIR. Police have successfully frozen approximately 50% of fraudulent transactions, helping victims recover funds.

Public Advisory:
Authorities have warned against prevalent scams such as online share trading frauds, “Digital Arrest” scams, part-time job scams, and matrimonial frauds. Victims are urged to report incidents within 24 hours via the NCRP helpline at 1930 or the portal www.cybercrime.gov.in.

High-Profile Case:
In a significant case, the Cyber Crime Wing arrested two individuals involved in a ₹10.27 crore online share trading fraud. A Chennai woman was duped through a fake investment app, which showed exaggerated profits but failed to reflect the funds in her bank account. Investigations are ongoing to recover the amount and apprehend other members of the scam.

Police Statement:
“This operation strikes at the backbone of the cybercrime network, making it one of the largest crackdowns in India,” the Tamil Nadu Police said. Efforts to apprehend additional suspects and recover more funds continue.

Through ‘Operation Thiraineeku,’ Tamil Nadu Police reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding citizens from cyber fraud and building a secure digital environment.