Bhubaneswar, Feb 19: Odisha police have intensified their crackdown on cybercrime with the ongoing Cyber Kavach operation, yielding significant results in Jharsuguda and Bargarh districts.

The special campaign, launched under the directive of the Director General of Police on February 12, has already exposed multiple fraud networks exploiting innocent citizens.

In the latest development, three accused have been arrested in connection with online financial scams. Earlier, six individuals had already been taken into custody for similar offenses. Investigations reveal that fraudsters lured people with promises of commission or jobs, convincing them to open bank accounts. Once opened, the fraudsters collected passbooks and ATM cards, using them to channel illicit transactions through fraudulent companies.

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Police have seized 57 passbooks from various banks, 19 checkbooks, 81 ATM cards, 26 SIM cards, two mobile phones, ₹6,700 in cash, and a scooter. Authorities estimate that over ₹10 crore was routed through these accounts, highlighting the scale of the operation.

The prime accused in Bargarh, Manoj Kumar Kushal, reportedly worked at a shopping mall before joining a Telegram group that introduced him to the fraud racket. He was promised financial gains if he opened accounts and facilitated transactions. Investigators say Manoj received 3.5% commission on every transaction, motivating him to expand the fraudulent network.

Jharsuguda police, meanwhile, have arrested 16 middlemen and issued notices to eight others. Preliminary findings suggest that 24 passbooks and 19 ATM cards were used to siphon off ₹5.27 crore. Officials caution that the actual fraud amount may be much higher as the investigation continues.

Superintendent of Police Gundala Raghavendra Reddy confirmed that the Cyber Kavach operation will continue until February 27, with dedicated teams working across districts to identify and dismantle fraud networks. The police have urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid sharing banking documents or ATM cards with strangers, and report suspicious activities immediately.