Context
- The Delhi Police has conducted one of its largest cybercrime crackdowns under “Operation CyHawk” in the Central Delhi district, targeting organised cyber fraud networks.
Key Highlights
- 381 persons detained during the operation.
- 95 suspects booked for involvement in organised cyber fraud cases.
- 24 FIRs registered across multiple police stations.
- The crackdown focused on fraud syndicates and cyber scam networks operating within the district.
Purpose of the Operation
- To dismantle:
- Cyber fraud gangs
- Call centre–based financial scams
- Online impersonation and phishing networks
- UPI and digital payment fraud modules
- Part of Delhi Police’s push against increasing digital financial crimes.
Relevant Prelims Points
- Operation CyHawk: Special police operation to curb organised cybercrime in Delhi.
- Common cybercrimes targeted:
- Phishing & OTP fraud
- Investment scams
- Fake customer support helplines
- Job scam syndicates
- Money mule accounts
- Key agencies typically involved in cybercrime control:
- Delhi Police Cyber Unit
- Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
- CERT-In
- National Cybercrime Helpline: 1930
Relevant Mains Points
Growing Cybercrime Challenge
- Rapid digitisation has increased exposure to online financial fraud.
- Criminal networks use:
- VoIP masking
- Fake KYC registration
- Prepaid SIM clusters
- Social media advertising
- Emergence of multi-State cybercrime rackets requires inter-agency coordination.
Governance & Policing Angle
- Mass crackdowns like CyHawk:
- Create deterrence
- Help track digital money trails
- Enable identification of fraud bank accounts / wallets
- But lasting solutions require:
- Tech-driven policing
- Digital financial literacy
- Stronger KYC & SIM verification frameworks
Way Forward
- Dedicated cyber police stations in every district.
- Fast-track courts for cyber fraud to ensure timely justice.
- AI-based transaction monitoring with banks & fintechs.
- Victim compensation mechanisms for financial restoration.
- Public awareness campaigns to reduce vulnerability.