Gandhinagar, June 24: Cyber crime, a digital offense where criminals prey on individuals through online platforms to steal their hard-earned money, has seen a significant decline in Gujarat. This positive change is attributed to ‘Operation Mule Hunt 1.0,’ guided by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and led by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi, in collaboration with the Cyber Center of Excellence.
Victims report that the state police not only respond swiftly to complaints of cyber fraud but also work to recover lost funds. Under ‘Operation Mule Hunt 1.0,’ the Gujarat police have closely monitored data from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center, the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, coordination portals, and the 1930 helpline. This data-driven approach has enabled rigorous action against cyber criminals and mule accounts across all districts.
The operation has resulted in the registration of 565 FIRs and the arrest of 638 cyber criminals. Additionally, actions were taken against 913 mule accounts, leading to the identification of 4,052 crimes, of which 491 were specific to Gujarat. During this successful operation, cyber fraud amounting to ₹22.89 billion was uncovered. The Gujarat police are also utilizing artificial intelligence technology in collaboration with the RBI and the Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation to enhance risk scoring systems for more accurate identification and effective action against mule accounts.
Cyber experts advise vigilance in response to any suspicious phone calls or messages related to online fraud, urging immediate reporting if something seems off. Thanks to ‘Operation Mule Hunt 1.0,’ there has been a notable reduction in ATM and check withdrawals in the state. The government, under CM Bhupendra Patel, is committed to eradicating cyber crime at its roots. Following this initiative, ‘Operation Mule Hunt 2.0’ commenced on June 2, 2026, targeting cyber fraudsters with renewed vigor.
Rajdeep Singh Jhalla, SP of the Cyber Center of Excellence in Gandhinagar, stated that all units of the Gujarat police collaborated to take action against those handling mule accounts and their networks. This operation led to the detection of significant amounts of cyber crime. By working with a comprehensive database, the police identified targets who directly received funds from mule accounts, which were then withdrawn via checks or ATMs in Gujarat.
Cyber expert Chhatrapal Singh emphasized the importance of caution when receiving suspicious calls, recommending that such calls be blocked and reported immediately to 1930. He noted that there is no legal action akin to a “digital arrest.”
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