Delhi Police Busts OTP-Free Cyber Fraud Racket; Mastermind Arrested in ₹50 Crore Scam
In a major breakthrough against cybercrime, Delhi Police have uncovered a sophisticated cyber fraud network that siphoned off more than ₹50 crore without using OTPs or QR codes. The operation led to the arrest of 10 accused, including the alleged mastermind, and exposed a well-organised interstate and international cybercrime syndicate. Officials say the case highlights how even tech-savvy users can fall victim to evolving digital fraud methods.
₹50 Crore Cyber Scam Exposed
According to Delhi Police, the gang had been operating across multiple Indian states and was also linked to international cybercrime channels. So far, 61 complaints have been registered on the National Cyber Crime Portal, with investigators expecting the number to rise as more victims come forward.
The fraud came to light after a series of complaints from victims who reported unauthorized withdrawals from their bank accounts — without sharing OTPs, PINs, or scanning QR codes. This raised alarm bells and prompted an in-depth investigation by the South-East District Cyber Police team of Delhi Police.
Simultaneous Raids Across Seven States
As per media reports, the police carried out simultaneous raids in seven states, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kerala, Odisha, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. These coordinated raids helped law enforcement dismantle the network in one of the largest cybercrime crackdowns in recent times.
The key mastermind was arrested from Kerala, which police believe was the central control hub of the entire operation. Several other crucial suspects were taken into custody from Delhi and Mumbai, where the technical and financial operations were being managed.
How the Gang Trapped Victims Without OTPs
Investigations revealed that the cybercriminals used advanced phishing techniques, digital identity masking, and online extortion methods to deceive victims. Unlike traditional scams, this gang did not rely on OTP sharing or QR codes. Instead, they exploited technical loopholes, social engineering, and compromised digital access to gain control over victims’ accounts.
Police said that victims were often manipulated into clicking malicious links or sharing seemingly harmless information, which allowed fraudsters to silently take control of their financial access. Once the money was withdrawn, it was rapidly transferred across multiple bank accounts, making tracking extremely difficult.
Use of Mule Accounts to Hide Money Trail
A key element of the fraud was the extensive use of mule accounts—bank accounts opened or rented using fake or stolen identities. These accounts were used to rotate the stolen money quickly, ensuring that funds disappeared before victims or banks could react.
According to officials, this layering technique was designed to break the money trail and delay law-enforcement tracking. The accused based in Delhi and Mumbai were responsible for handling the digital infrastructure and managing these financial movements.
Kerala-Based Control Centre
Police investigations suggest that the entire operation was centrally controlled from Kerala, where the mastermind planned the fraud strategies and monitored transactions in real time. From there, instructions were passed on to operatives across different states.
This decentralised yet tightly coordinated structure allowed the gang to target victims nationwide while reducing the risk of detection.
Key Evidence Recovered
During the raids, Delhi Police seized mobile phones, laptops, computers, bank documents, and digital storage devices. These materials reportedly contain critical data related to mule accounts, transaction records, and internal communications among gang members.
Officials believe that forensic analysis of the seized digital evidence will help uncover the complete structure of the syndicate and may lead to further arrests, including possible international links.
Police Warn Public to Stay Alert
Delhi Police have described the operation as a major success in the fight against cybercrime, but have also warned that such fraud methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Citizens have been advised to remain cautious while clicking unknown links, responding to unsolicited calls, or sharing personal information online.
Authorities have urged people to immediately report suspicious activity on the National Cyber Crime Portal and contact their banks without delay in case of unauthorized transactions.
Investigation Ongoing
The investigation is still underway, and police are examining whether the gang has links to other large-scale cyber fraud cases across the country. More arrests are likely as digital evidence is analyzed.
This case serves as a strong reminder that cybercriminals no longer rely solely on OTP-based scams. Even a small lapse in digital awareness can lead to significant financial loss, making cyber vigilance more important than ever.
