A team led by Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Committee (I4C) Deputy Director Akhilesh Khar recently visited Puducherry to address the growing cybercrime concerns and discuss potential solutions to combat new types of online scams across various states.
During a two-day State Connect program inaugurated by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ashok Singla, Khar disclosed that a staggering 9,32,103 cyber fraud complaints were filed in India between July 31 and December 2024. This led to the freezing of numerous bank accounts associated with fraudulent activities, shedding light on the alarming rise in financial cyber fraud in the country.
Khar pointed out that organized financial scams are often orchestrated from overseas locations, with countries like Panama, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Dubai being identified as major hubs for such illegal operations. Fraudsters are increasingly using cryptocurrencies to convert unlawfully acquired funds, making it more challenging for authorities to trace and intercept these transactions. The intricate nature of these criminal activities often results in delays in dismantling fraudulent networks, posing significant challenges for law enforcement agencies.
Recognizing the pressing need for proactive measures, Khar emphasized that the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Central Government have directed banks to collaborate closely with law enforcement bodies to expedite the recovery of stolen funds and prevent the proliferation of fraudulent accounts. To ensure effective implementation of these directives, regular meetings with senior banking officials are being conducted to streamline the process of combatting financial cybercrime.
As part of the effort to strengthen the capabilities of law enforcement personnel in tackling cyber threats, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kalaivanan IPS participated in a seminar along with five cybercrime experts. These experts are imparting advanced training to the Cyber Police in Puducherry, equipping them with the necessary skills to handle complex cybercrime cases effectively.
The seminar, spearheaded by Superintendent of Police Baskaran, brought together police inspectors, cybercrime specialists, and staff from Link Police Stations across Puducherry. The event aims to bolster cybersecurity initiatives and enhance the readiness of law enforcement agencies to confront the escalating cyber threats, safeguarding citizens from falling victim to financial fraud schemes.
Overall, the visit by the I4C team underscored the importance of proactive collaboration between government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and financial institutions to effectively combat cybercrime activities in the digital age. By equipping personnel with advanced skills and knowledge, authorities are better positioned to safeguard the financial interests and personal information of the public, ensuring a safer online environment for all.