Panaji, Nov 14: Goa Police have arrested 24 people in a major inter-state crackdown on cybercrime, busting 37 cases involving fraudulent transactions worth over Rs 8 crore. The operation involved 43 police teams conducting searches across 16 states.

As part of the crackdown, police also blocked 1,717 SIM cards suspected to have been used for cyber fraud, along with 722 social media accounts and 814 fake websites linked to fraud cases involving losses of around Rs 2 crore.

The joint operation was conducted by the North district police, South district police and the Cyber Crime Police Station to identify, trace and take action against those involved in cyber fraud and other cyber-related offences.

A senior police officer said 43 teams were deployed across 16 states, highlighting the force's efforts to pursue cybercriminals beyond geographical boundaries.

"The successful arrests and detection of cases underline the focused efforts, operational coordination and determination of Goa Police in tackling organised cybercrime. The operation sends a clear message that individuals involved in cyber fraud cannot evade law enforcement by operating from outside the state," Goa Police said.

During 2026, the Cyber Crime Police have also secured Rs 15.9 crore through lien marking in bank accounts suspected to be linked to fraudulent transactions.

A senior police officer said the measures reflected the department's efforts to intervene promptly, disrupt cybercrime networks, investigate cases and recover fraudulently transferred money, while prioritising victim assistance and financial relief.

Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy towards cybercrime, Goa Police said strict legal action would be taken against anyone involved in cyber fraud or related offences. Investigations would focus on identifying offenders, tracing financial and digital trails, pursuing inter-state links and bringing cases to their logical conclusion.

Alongside enforcement measures, police are conducting cybercrime awareness programmes, particularly for vulnerable groups such as senior citizens and students. The initiatives aim to sensitise citizens about emerging cyber threats, online financial fraud, digital arrest scams and safe practices in the digital space.

Cracking the case

• 24 – People arrested

• 20 – Notices issued/served

• 37 – Cybercrime cases cracked

• Rs 8.2 crore – Total fraud amount

• 1,717 – SIM cards blocked

• 722 – Social media handles blocked

• 814 – Fake websites blocked

• 306 – Zero e-FIRs converted into regular FIRs

• 644 – Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM) requests resolved

• Rs 1.9 crore – Refunded to cyber fraud victims through the MRM portal