Investment fraud cases in Telangana

HYDERABAD: Cybercrime cases across the tri-commissionerates of Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda recorded a sharp decline in 2025, police data show.

A total of 15,105 cybercrime cases were registered during 2025, compared with 20,574 cases booked in 2024.

Awareness drives credited for decline

Police attributed the reduction to sustained public awareness campaigns conducted through street-corner meetings, online outreach, and programmes at educational institutions, shopping malls and offices.

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“The cybercrime cases have come down due to awareness among the public. The number of arrests of offenders involved in cybercrime cases has also increased during the year,” said S V Naga Lakshmi, deputy commissioner of police (Cybercrimes), Rachakonda.

Investment and digital fraud dominate

Investment fraud, trading fraud and digital fraud remained the dominant cyber offences across the three commissionerates. Investment fraud cases stood at 3,508, while 248 cases of digital fraud were recorded.

Digital frauds accounted for the highest financial losses. Hyderabad police reported losses of ₹33.81 crore in 86 digital fraud cases during the year.

Cyberabad police recorded the highest number of cybercrime cases at 7,636. “Cybercrime cases are higher in Cyberabad due to the presence of IT professionals and tech-savvy residents,” a police official said.

Mule accounts under scanner

Police said cybercriminals largely depend on mule bank accounts operated by individuals in return for commissions. Funds collected from victims are first transferred to mule accounts and then routed through multiple layers before being moved out of the country.

Hyderabad Commissioner of Police V C Sajjanar said police were creating a database of mule account suppliers and initiating strict action against those sharing account credentials with fraudsters.

“We have held high-level meetings with officials of the Reserve Bank of India and discussed mule accounts. A mechanism will soon be in place to check mule accounts and prevent misuse of bank accounts,” he said.