Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have conducted a major nationwide operation against an alleged cyber fraud network involved in supplying illegal or fraudulently activated SIM cards used in online scams across India.
The operation, conducted under the name “Operation Octopus 3.0,” reportedly led to multiple arrests and investigations across several states.
Cybercrime Network Investigation
According to police officials, the investigation uncovered a network allegedly involved in distributing “ghost SIM cards” used in cyber fraud activities.
Authorities stated that the network has been linked to multiple cybercrime cases involving online financial fraud.
Reports indicate that:
- 66 individuals were arrested
- Operations were conducted across 13 states
- The alleged fraud network was connected to several cybercrime cases involving substantial financial losses
What Are Ghost SIM Cards?
Police described ghost SIM cards as mobile SIMs allegedly activated using fake, manipulated, or misused identity documents.
Investigators say such SIM cards are commonly used in:
- OTP-related scams
- Fake banking calls
- Social media fraud
- Investment scams
- Identity concealment during cybercrime activities
Operation Octopus 3.0
Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police reportedly formed multiple special investigation teams to track the network.
According to investigators:
- Large numbers of suspicious SIM activations were identified
- Some telecom agents and point-of-sale operators are under scrutiny
- Aadhaar-based eKYC systems may have been misused in certain cases
Police said the investigation is continuing to identify additional individuals allegedly connected to the network.
Nature of the Alleged Fraud
Investigators stated that the SIM cards were allegedly supplied to cybercrime groups involved in:
- Online investment fraud
- OTP scams
- Fake digital profiles
- Financial deception schemes
Authorities are also examining possible financial transaction trails connected to the alleged fraud operations.
Nationwide Investigation
The crackdown reportedly involved operations in multiple states, including:
- Telangana
- Karnataka
- Maharashtra
- Uttar Pradesh
- West Bengal
- Delhi
Officials said the investigation demonstrates the growing interstate nature of organized cybercrime networks.
Police Advisory
Cybercrime officials have advised citizens to:
- Avoid sharing OTPs or personal banking information
- Verify suspicious calls and messages
- Report cyber fraud attempts immediately
- Use only trusted digital platforms and applications
Conclusion
The Hyderabad Police operation highlights increasing concerns over organized cybercrime networks and misuse of telecom systems for financial fraud.
Authorities said further investigation is underway, and additional action may follow based on ongoing findings.
