The State Cyber Crime Unit in Ahmedabad has taken a strong stance against cybercriminals and fraudsters, blocking a record number of social media accounts involved in criminal activities in 2024. According to reports, a total of 14,669 accounts were blocked, which is nearly four times higher than the previous year’s figure of 4,319.
The crackdown on cybercriminals comes after several high-profile cases of online fraud were reported in the city. One such incident involved Neel Shah, an executive manager, who lost a staggering Rs 1.44 crore after falling victim to a scheme advertised on Instagram. In another case, a senior citizen was duped out of Rs 75 lakh in a digital arrest scam.
Fake accounts on popular platforms like Facebook and Instagram are commonly used by criminals to deceive unsuspecting victims. In some cases, the perpetrators even go as far as impersonating senior officials and prominent personalities to carry out their fraudulent activities.
A senior official from the cybercrime unit highlighted the challenges they face in tracking down these criminals, stating that the use of false identities and pre-activated SIM cards for internet access makes it difficult to apprehend them. The perpetrators are known to operate from remote areas such as Jamtara, Bharatpur, or Mevat, making it even more challenging for law enforcement agencies to track them down.
SP Dharmendra Sharma, head of the State Cyber Crime Unit, emphasized the effectiveness of blocking accounts as a measure to combat cybercrime. In the past year, a total of 4,727 Facebook accounts and 9,942 Instagram accounts were blocked, marking a significant increase from the previous year. Additionally, over 350 social media accounts involved in loan scams and extortion were also blocked, compared to 224 accounts in 2023.
Sharma also emphasized the importance of reporting cybercrimes promptly, stating that the first six hours, known as the ‘golden hours,’ are crucial in freezing the money in bank accounts where the cheated funds are transferred. The cybercrime helpline number 1930 has been established to provide victims with a direct line to report such crimes and seek assistance from law enforcement.
In an effort to strengthen their efforts against cybercrime, Gujarat has set up cybercrime detection units in most districts and formed a dedicated cyber patrol team to monitor the internet round the clock. This team is tasked with identifying social media accounts involved in criminal activities and spreading fake news, in order to prevent further incidents of online fraud and deception.
As the threat of cybercrime continues to grow, it is more important than ever for law enforcement agencies to adapt and evolve their strategies to combat this digital menace effectively. By blocking accounts and collaborating with other regulatory authorities, the State Cyber Crime Unit in Ahmedabad is taking proactive steps to neutralize cybercriminals and protect innocent victims from falling prey to online scams.