TGCSB Arrests 165 Cybercriminals in Nationwide Crackdown

Hyderabad : As many as 165 cybercriminals were arrested in connection with over 4,000 cybercrime cases across India since April this year by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB).

According to the statistics revealed by the TGCSB, investigating officers tracked and apprehended criminals in 76 cases of TGCSB. These arrests impact beyond state borders, as the accused are linked to 795 cases in Telangana and 3,357 across the country.

The arrested individuals were involved in various cyber frauds, spanning 13 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Their criminal activities included part-time job scams, business investment frauds, digital arrests, loan frauds, cyber slavery, hacking, and sextortion. The suspects served different roles, from mule account holders and bank account suppliers to hackers and travel agents.

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TGCSB’s analysis of criminal profiling

The TGCSB’s analysis revealed a surprising demographic profile of the cybercriminals. Nearly 45% were well-educated, holding graduate and postgraduate degrees, including B.Tech MBA, and MCA qualifications, 20% Intermediate, and 35% below SSC & Illiterates.

Further accused to the employment wise break up, Business owners made up 34% of the arrested individuals, while 21% were self-employed professionals like digital content creators, gym trainers, and event managers.14% were in private jobs (petrol bunks, garment shops, toll plazas, delivery services); 14% were unemployed; 9% were students; 5% were farmers & laborers; 3% were government employees (assistants in irrigation and electricity).

Age-wise, the majority (49%) of criminals were aged 21-30, followed by 28% in the 31-40 years category. 10% of them are in the age group of 41 to 50 years; 5% are below 20 years; 8% are above 50 years, according to the statistics revealed by Telangana police.

The investigation uncovered that the primary motivations behind these crimes were the desire for easy money, a criminal family background, debts, and the influence of a third person.

“The TGCSB shall continue efforts to arrest other accused persons and ensure strict action is taken against them as per law. There is zero tolerance towards cyber criminals and the bureau is committed to ensuring a cyber-safe Telangana,” said Shika Goel, Director of TGCSB, in a statement.

TGCSB advisory

All citizens are advised to remain alert and practice basic cyber hygiene. They should not click on any unknown links or share personal details. Don’t transfer money to unknown accounts. If in doubt or a victim of cybercrime, report to TGCSB at Dial 1930, www.cybercrime.gov.in, or WhatsAppon 8712672222.

Citizens may visit the bureau website and handles for the latest cybercrime information. The website istgcsb.tspolice.gov.in, and the handles are: X(Twitter): @TGCyberBureau, Instagram: @tgcyberbureau, Facebook:TGCyberBureau.