In a significant move to combat cyber fraud, the Rajasthan Police initiated a month-long Cyber Shield campaign from January 2 to 31. During this operation, the police took swift action by blocking over 52,000 SIM cards and 27,000 handsets. The intensive crackdown resulted in the arrest of 543 cybercriminals, out of which 133 were already wanted in various cybercrime cases.
Highlighting the success of the campaign, Director General of Police (DGP) UR Sahoo announced that the police managed to freeze a staggering amount of Rs 8.87 crore in fraudulently obtained funds. He emphasized the crucial role that mobile phones and SIM cards play in cyber frauds and explained that the focus of the operation was to counteract these fraudulent activities by blocking deceitful SIM cards and mobile devices. Additionally, the police were able to recover a significant number of 5,201 stolen or lost mobile phones, with 4,991 of them successfully returned to their rightful owners.
Hemant Priyadarshi, Director General of State Crime Record Bureau and Cyber Crime, shed light on the geographical challenges posed by cybercriminals who often take advantage of jurisdictional issues. He underlined the importance of collaborative efforts among all districts to effectively combat cybercrimes. Priyadarshi mentioned that under the Cyber Shield campaign, the police executed 1,101 warrants and notices, with an additional 229 warrants forwarded to authorities in other states for legal proceedings. Furthermore, to raise awareness about cybercrimes, around 10,000 events were organized across the state.
The police employed various tools to identify cybercriminals, including the Pratibimb Portal by the Ministry of Home Affairs. They specifically targeted SIM cards and mobile devices used in scams, based on complaints lodged through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, the national helpline 1930, and local police stations. The campaign also involved updating cybercrime records and apprehending cybercriminals actively engaged in fraudulent activities.
The comprehensive Cyber Shield campaign exemplifies the Rajasthan Police’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens in the digital realm. By leveraging technology and strategic collaboration, law enforcement agencies were able to make significant strides in curbing cyber fraud. The proactive measures taken during the operation not only resulted in the apprehension of cybercriminals but also in the recovery of stolen property and freezing of illicit funds.
The successful outcome of the Cyber Shield campaign serves as a testament to the Rajasthan Police’s dedication to combating cybercrimes and protecting the interests of the public. As technology continues to advance, initiatives like these play a crucial role in staying one step ahead of cybercriminals and upholding the law in the digital age.