Delhi Police’s Operation CyHawk 5.0 cracks down on cyber fraud networks; 916 arrested, Rs 700 crore scam trail uncovered

Operation CyHawk 5.0 uncovers organised cybercrime syndicates, busts illegal call centres and probes high-profile fraud cases including the Naresh Gujral scam

PGurus Newsdesk

June 19, 2026

Delhi Police's nationwide cybercrime operation exposes fraud networks spanning 21 states and linked to nearly ₹700 crore in scams

Massive nationwide operation targets organised cyber fraud networks linked to scams worth nearly ₹700 crore

In one of the largest anti-cybercrime operations undertaken in the national capital, Delhi Police has arrested 916 accused under Operation CyHawk 5.0, exposing cyber fraud networks linked to financial scams worth nearly ₹700 crore.

The massive crackdown was carried out on June 16 and 17 after an extensive analysis of cybercrime data available up to May 31. The operation involved more than 715 police teams and over 2,500 personnel drawn from district police units and specialised cyber police stations across Delhi.

Addressing the media, Joint Commissioner of Police Rajneesh Gupta said the coordinated action targeted organised cybercriminal syndicates involved in online financial fraud, phishing scams, digital deception, fake investment schemes and other cyber offences.

Over 2,500 cybercrime complaints examined

Delhi Police brought more than 2,500 complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) under the scope of the operation. Investigators found that the cumulative value of fraud linked to these cases was close to ₹700 crore.

Officials said many of those arrested have links to well-known cybercrime hubs, including Jamtara in Jharkhand and Nuh in Haryana, regions that have repeatedly surfaced in investigations involving online scams and financial fraud.

Illegal call centres busted, devices seized

During the operation, police dismantled several illegal call centres allegedly being used to facilitate cyber fraud and impersonation scams.

Multiple laptops, mobile phones, digital storage devices and other electronic equipment suspected to have been used in criminal activities were seized during the raids.

To track suspects and gather evidence, Delhi Police teams travelled across 21 states, underscoring the nationwide reach of cybercrime syndicates and the complexity of the investigation.

Thousands questioned during operation

Officials revealed that nearly 7,000 individuals were rounded up for verification and questioning as part of the drive.

In addition:

Around 600 people were bound down as a preventive measure.
Notices were issued to nearly 2,000 individuals for further investigation.
Several financial and digital trails are still being examined.

Police said the objective was not only to arrest suspects but also to disrupt the broader ecosystem that supports organised cybercrime operations.

Naresh Gujral cyber fraud case explained

Delhi Police also shared details of its investigation into the high-profile cyber fraud case linked to former Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Gujral.

According to investigators, the fraud began when a ZIP file received by a company was forwarded internally to its finance department. After an employee opened the file, cybercriminals allegedly gained access to the company’s systems.

Police said the hackers then manipulated contact information within the company’s records, replacing an existing number associated with Naresh Gujral with one controlled by the fraudsters.

Posing as an authorised individual, the accused contacted company employees and instructed them to transfer funds.

As a result, approximately ₹7.86 crore was transferred through four separate transactions before the fraud was discovered.

Investigators have so far managed to freeze nearly ₹4 crore linked to the fraudulent transfers and are continuing efforts to recover the remaining funds and identify all conspirators involved.

Rising cybercrime challenge

Cybercrime continues to emerge as one of India’s fastest-growing security challenges, with fraudsters increasingly relying on sophisticated malware, social engineering tactics, fake identities and digital manipulation to target businesses and individuals.

Delhi Police officials said large-scale operations such as CyHawk 5.0 are crucial for dismantling organised cybercrime networks, recovering stolen funds and preventing future financial losses.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities expecting further arrests and recoveries as digital evidence and financial trails continue to be analysed.

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