The Odisha Police have reported significant achievements in combating cybercrime and financial fraud under the statewide initiative “Operation Cyber Kavach.” The operation led to the investigation of 39,714 mule bank accounts, the arrest of 379 accused individuals, and the issuance of notices to 7,549 suspicious account holders and accomplices.

Crackdown on Cybercrime and Financial Fraud

During a press conference at the Police Headquarters, DGP Shri Yogesh Bahadur Khurania detailed the successful execution of Operation Cyber Kavach, which ran from February 13 to March 12, 2026. The operation targeted mule bank accounts, fake SIM networks, online betting, hawala transactions, and cryptocurrency-related scams.

The operation was conducted under the guidance of district SPs and involved strict enforcement actions against fraudulent networks across the state.

Extensive Investigations and Arrests

The operation included:

• 1,315 mule bank accounts investigated

• 36 ATM-related frauds

• 47 cheque fraud cases

• 24 fake SIM/POS network investigations

As a result, 379 individuals were arrested, including those involved in mule accounts, fake SIMs, ATM fraud, and cheque scams. Notices were issued to 7,549 suspicious account holders and accomplices.

District-Level Highlights

Several districts reported notable successes:

• Jharsuguda: Inter-state mule account gang busted; ₹5.25 crore involved; 6 arrested

• Sambalpur: Mule account frauds worth ₹1.3 crore exposed; 5 arrested

• Rourkela: Online betting and hawala gang arrested; ₹30.65 lakh recovered

• Kendujhar: 58 mule accounts investigated; 5 arrested; ₹1.14 crore recovered

• Sundargarh: Family-run mule account scam busted; 3 arrested; ₹4.19 crore involved

• Ganjam: Multiple cases handled; several arrests with crores recovered

• Baleshwar: Mule account gang arrested; 147 ATM cards seized

• Bhubaneswar & Cuttack UPDs: National-level mule syndicates dismantled; digital devices and assets seized

Coordinated Efforts and Recognition

The operation utilized data-driven intelligence from the Ministry of Home Affairs’ I4C initiative, coordinated with the CID Crime Branch, banking nodal teams, and telecom providers. DGP Khurania commended the dedication of all SPs, IGs, Crime Branch officers, and banking and telecom officials for their collaboration.

He also highlighted the role of media in creating cyber awareness and affirmed that the Odisha Police will continue working towards a cybercrime-free state.

The press conference was attended by DGP (Crime Branch) Shri Vinayatosh Mishra, IG (Crime Branch) Dr. Sarthak Shadanghi, and SP (Crime Branch) Parmar Smith.

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