India’s Intensified Offensive Against Cybercrime: A Multi-Pronged Approach
India Strengthens Fight Against Cybercrime, Disables Over 800,000 Fraudulent Accounts and Prevents Rs 4,800 Crore in Losses India is strengthening its hold on cybercriminals as authorities take decisive measures to destroy the network of digital fraud that has afflicted both individuals and organizations. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), which is leading the nation’s continuing cybercrime attack, has achieved great progress in thwarting the activities of con artists and fraudsters. By November 2024, the gadgets that enabled several illicit operations were rendered inoperable by the authorities, who had disabled approximately 669,000 SIM cards and 132,000 IMEIs. In a series of surgical attacks, 59,000 WhatsApp accounts and more than 1,700 Skype IDs—both frequently used by thieves to plan fraud—were also shut down. This thorough strategy has dealt serious harm to the cybercrime infrastructure. The Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC), which unites banks, financial institutions, and law enforcement to coordinate real-time responses to fraud, is an essential component of the offensive. A significant accomplishment of the CFMC is the freezing of 860,000 mule accounts, which stopped the illicit flow of funds. To stop fraudulent transactions, the government has also implemented a digital database called the Suspect Registry. Over Rs 1,400 crore has been saved as a result of the successful blocking of 560,000 suspect transactions. With new rules aimed against international spoof calls—a common way for scammers to pose as Indian authorities—India is making efforts that go beyond its borders. Furthermore, The Oppidan Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (introduced in 2021) has saved Rs 3,431 crore by enabling consumers to report fraud via an online portal and toll-free helpline. Seven Joint Cyber Coordination Teams (JCCTs) have been placed in well-known cybercrime hotspots like Mewat and Jamtara as part of the increased nation’s policing efforts. The preparatory goal of these groups is to strengthen interstate collaboration to combat digital fraud. The National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (NCFL) in New Delhi is an essential part of law action advanced forensic analytical support, having assisted with over 11,000 cybercrime cases since its installation. India’s outlook on combating cybercrime is developing into a complete security strategy that combines technology, intelligence, and citizen copartnership to keep criminals at bay. This multifaceted approach strengthens the country’s cyber defences against potential attacks while also combating digital fraud.