The Cyber Crime Wing of the Greater Chennai Police has been inundated with complaints of cyber fraud, receiving a total of 2,732 reports last year. Among these complaints, 325 FIRs were filed and 36 arrests were made, with the majority of the arrested individuals hailing from Tamil Nadu.
One area of particular concern for the police is cyber offences against women, including cyberbullying and morphing. In cases involving offensive content against women, swift action was taken to remove the material from social media platforms. In total, 27 arrests were made in non-financial cases related to cyber offences against women, bringing the total number of arrests in 2024 to 63. Additionally, seven accused individuals were detained under the Goondas Act for serious and repeated offences.
In terms of financial recovery, the police were able to freeze Rs.36.63 crore before it could be misused, and Rs.12.31 crore was successfully reverted to victims’ bank accounts through court orders. This highlights the importance of reporting cyber offences promptly, as a police officer stated, “If the cyber offence is reported immediately in Golden time (within 30 minutes of the offence), the possibility for the recovery of the entire loss amount is high.”
To further assist the public in combating cybercrime, the Cyber Crime Cell has provided various channels for reporting offences. Citizens can dial the cybercrime helpline number 1930 or visit the official website www.cybercrime.gov.in for assistance. Victims are also encouraged to seek help at their nearest Cyber Crime Police Station for in-person support and guidance.
The efforts of the Greater Chennai Police in tackling cybercrime are commendable, with a focus on both prevention and swift action. By prioritizing the timely reporting of offences and providing support to victims, the Cyber Crime Wing is making significant strides in combating cyber fraud and protecting the public from online threats.