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Gujarat Budget 2025-26: Rs 352 crore push to check cyber crime

Gujarat Budget 2025-26: Rs 352 crore push to check cybercrime and Cyber Centre of Excellence, Anti-Narcotics Task Force to be set up in Gujarat GANDHINAGAR: On 20 February 2025, the Gujarat government stated that it would establish an anti-narcotics task force (ANTF) and a cyber centre of excellence for cybercrime (CCECC) to create a robust framework to combat the exponential increase in drug-peddling and cybercrime cases. Finance Minister Kanu Desai stated that Rs 352 crore had been set up for these projects in the state’s 2025–2026 budget. “A state-level CCECC and cyber forensic units (CFU) will be established, with an emphasis on law enforcement and cyber security. To take tough measures against drug trafficking, an ATF operative team would be established, Desai stated. In his budget speech, he also mentioned that the government intends to hire 14,000 SRP members and establish 1,390 new traffic police positions. Desai stated that Rs 299 crore has been allocated for 1,186 posts under the CCECC, out of a total of Rs 12,659 crore for the home department. At the state level, the centre will deal with topics including cyber security and cyber intelligence. The ANTF was given a budget of Rs 23 crore, and each district was given Rs 30 crore to establish Cyber Forensic Units (CFUs). The finance minister stated that the acquisition of equipment for specialized squads such as the Chetak commandos, the state disaster response force, the quick reaction team, and the bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS) will cost approximately Rs 63 crore.

Rs 850 crore Ponzi scheme busted: Two arrested in Falcon Invoice Discounting fraud

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Cyberabad has arrested two individuals linked to an Rs 850 crore Ponzi scheme operated through the Falcon Invoice Discounting Platform. The scam promised 11-12% annual returns with investment maturity within 45 to 180 days. Investors Credited amounts ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 9 lakh, believing they were funding legal invoice discounting services. However, the platform fabricated vendor profiles and created fake deals to mislead investors. Authorities arrested Pavan Kumar Odela, Vice-President of Capital Protection Force Pvt Ltd & Business Head of Falcon Invoice Discounting Platform, and Kavya Nalluri, Director of Capital Protection Force Pvt Ltd & Falcon Capital Ventures Pvt Ltd, on February 15. The primary accused—Amardeep Kumar (MD, Falcon Capital Ventures Pvt Ltd), Aryan Singh (COO), and Yogender Singh (CEO)—are absconding, along with 17 other suspects. Rs 1,700 Crore Collected, Rs 850 Crore Unpaid The Ponzi scheme, operating since 2021, amassed Rs 1,700 crore, of which Rs 850 crore was repaid to early investors, while another Rs 850 crore remains unpaid to 6,979 collectors across India. The scheme collapsed on 15 January, leading to complaints from defrauded investors. Authorities discovered funds were misappropriated to establish multiple ventures, including a cryptocurrency platform, luxury hospitality, multi-level marketing, private charter services, and real estate investments. Legal Action & Warning to Investors A case has been registered under Sections 316(2), 318(4), 61(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 5 of the Telangana State Protection of Depositors of Financial Establishment Act, 1999. The Cyberabad police urged the public to exercise caution before investing in high-return schemes and advised investors to verify financial firms’ legitimacy through SEBI and RBI. The investigation continues to track the absconding suspects and recover funds.

Cyber fraud cost Haryana residents Rs 72.84 crore in January, according to police.

In their guidance on coping with various frauds, including “digital arrests,” the Haryana police state that the first six hours are critical if one becomes a victim of cyber fraud. According to the police, Haryana residents lost Rs 72.84 crore to cyber theft in January this year. This is Rs 14 crore less than the Rs 86.18 crore cybercriminals stole from individuals in January 2024. The police say their awareness campaigns were responsible for the 433 extra cybercriminals they detained in January this year compared to January 2024. The Haryana Police’s prompt action has also resulted in a large increase in the money saved from cybercriminals in January 2025 compared to January 2024. The Haryana Police took tough measures against cyber criminals, and in January 2025, they apprehended four times as many offenders. 571 offenders have been apprehended this year (130 from Haryana and 441 from other states), compared to 138 cybercriminals who were detained in January 2024, DGP Shatrujeet Kapur said in a statement. Issuing an appeal to the public, DGP Kapur said, “In this era of technology, most people are active on online platforms. If anyone calls and introduces themselves as an officer of the CBI, ED, or police and talks about the digital arrest, be immediately alert because no investigating agency does this kind of thing. People should not fall into the trap of fake share trading being broadcast on social media platforms. Before investing, be sure to officially confirm the company and website. “Additionally, people should not answer WhatsApp video and audio calls coming from abroad, especially from Cambodia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, etc. They should be cautious of fake advertisements appearing on Telegram and Google. The Haryana Police is continuously running awareness campaigns on print and social media to educate the public about the methods adopted by cybercriminals. The only way to avoid cybercrime is through caution and vigilance, so people should be vigilant and contact helpline number 1930 immediately if there is any apprehension of cybercrime.” “The Haryana Police, which was at the 23rd position in the country in September 2023 in terms of the rate of blocked amounts in cyber fraud, has now reached the first position. The rate of blocked amounts in cyber fraud and the recovery being done by the cyber police stations, which was seven per cent of the defrauded amount in September 2023, increased to 36 per cent in December 2024, the highest in the country. If a complainant files a complaint within six hours of cyber fraud, up to 70 per cent of the defrauded amount is blocked. It is the highest success rate in the entire country,” DGP Kapur further said in the statement. Union Home Minister Amit Shah honoured the police on September 10, 2024, for efficiently implementing the cyber helpline 1930. Amount saved from cyber scammers 2023 – Rs 76.85 crore 2024 – Rs 268.40 crore FIRs registered against cyber scammers 2022 – 2165 FIRs 2023 – 2747 2024 – 5511 Cyber scammers arrested 2022 – 1078 2023 – 1909 2024 – 5156 Out of 5,156 cyber scammers arrested in 2024, 70% (3,555 accused) were residents of other states. The total number of arrests also averaged 14 per day in 2024. The defrauded amount was refunded to the victims 2023 – Rs 33 crore 2024 – Rs 95.45 crore

Bengal Police busts Jamtara cyber scam, 46 arrested in statewide crackdown

The West Bengal Police, in collaboration with the Cyber Crime Wing (CCW), conducted multiple raids across various locations, leading to the arrest of 46 individuals involved in financial scams and cyber fraud. The 15-day-long operation targeted cybercriminal networks operating along the Jharkhand-West Bengal border. Cyber Shakti Operation is launched in West Bengal to curb cyber crime under the leadership of DIG Cyber Crime West Bengal Amitkumar Rathod. Targeted Raids and Key Locations Recognizing Jamtara as a cybercrime hub, the first raid was carried out in Khoyrasol, Birbhum, followed by operations in Chandannagar, ADPC, Purba Burdwan, and Hooghly. These raids focused on dismantling networks engaged in online financial scams, digital extortion, fake SIM card trading, and other cyber frauds. Seized Items and Fraudulent Activities During the operation, authorities seized: Rs 4,50,000 in cash 84 SIM cards 84 mobile phones 19 debit cards 02 laptops 29 bank accounts linked to fraud cases The arrested individuals were part of organized cybercrime networks defrauding victims through fake investment schemes, OTP frauds, sextortion, online job scams, gas subsidy frauds, UPI frauds, and digital impersonation. Ongoing Investigation and Commitment to Justice The arrested suspects are in custody, and investigations continue to uncover additional perpetrators and dismantle the larger cyber fraud nexus. This operation underscores West Bengal Police’s commitment to curbing cybercrime and protecting citizens from digital fraud.

Mira Bhayandar: MBVV Police Recover ₹3.54 Lakh Lost To Cyber Frauds

In the first case, the cyber cell received a complaint from a resident that he had fallen prey to the evil designs of cyber criminals who posed as representatives of a banking institution and cheated him of Rs 72,511 under the guise of helping him clear obstacles he was facing while using his credit card. Officials from the cyber cell attached to the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar (MBVV) police successfully managed to make collective reversals amounting to more than Rs 3.54 lakh which three people had lost to online frauds. In the first case, the cyber cell received a complaint from a resident that he had fallen prey to the evil designs of cyber criminals who posed as representatives of a banking institution and cheated him of Rs 72,511 under the guise of helping him clear obstacles he was facing while using his credit card. While the second complainant identified as Mr. Chauhan lost more than Rs 1.47 lakh after he clicked a malicious link sent by the cybercrooks, another person Shashi Pal was cheated of more than Rs 1.35 lakh with a lure of earning money by participating in online tasks including posting likes, reviews on YouTube videos and online rating to hotels/movies. Immediately after receiving the complaints, personnel from the cyber cell led by police inspector Sujitkumar Gunjkar started investigations and identified the bank accounts and e-commerce shopping portals in which the ill-gotten wealth had been parked. After continuous follow-ups with the concerned banks and the gateway of the digital platform that provided payment solutions, they managed to freeze Rs 72,511 and Rs 1.47 lakh respectively. The amount was reversed to the bank accounts of the complainants’ account following orders from the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Thane. The cyber cell handed over symbolic cheques to the complainants confirming the reversals. With the latest recoveries, the MBVV police have managed to revert more than Rs.1 crore lost by complainants in various cases of cyber-frauds in the past couple of months. Stressing the need to be careful while dealing with unknown callers/senders and to lodge complaints as soon as possible (Golden Hour), MBVV police commissioner Madhukar Pandey said that people can contact the local police stations or directly approach or call the cybercrime cell on 1930 with an additional option of reporting online frauds through email at www.cybercrime.gov.in or on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP

Coimbatore doctor cheated of ₹15 lahks in online trading scam

A Coimbatore doctor lost ₹15.50 lakh in a cyber scam after clicking a YouTube link. He was lured into a WhatsApp group with fraudulent trading tips and installed a deceptive app. Investigations are ongoing, highlighting the need for public vigilance against online investment fraud. A doctor from Coimbatore has fallen victim to a sophisticated cyber scam, losing a staggering ₹15.50 lakh after clicking on a seemingly harmless YouTube link between December 2024 and January 2025. The fraud highlights the growing menace of online investment traps. Dr Karthik, an active stock market investor with a Demat account, was browsing investment-related content on YouTube when he stumbled upon a link promising exclusive trading insights. Upon clicking it, he was unwittingly added to a WhatsApp group named “49 Upstocks Wealth Group,” where supposed trading experts shared lucrative stock market tips, the publication added. According to the report, Dr Karthik was persuaded by the group’s seemingly credible discussions and expressed interest in their investment scheme. Subsequently, the fraudsters instructed him to download a trading application called “UP Institutions” via a link provided by the group. Trusting the group’s recommendations, he installed the app on 31 December 2024 and, over the following weeks, transferred a total of ₹15.50 lakh in nine instalments. Reportedly, the app initially displayed an impressive balance of ₹25.86 lakh, leading Dr Karthik to believe his investments were flourishing. However, his confidence quickly crumbled when he attempted to withdraw his earnings, only to find himself locked out of the platform. It was then that he realised he had fallen prey to an elaborate scam. Upon complaining, the cybercrime police registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Investigations are now underway to trace the fraudsters and recover the lost funds. Authorities continue to warn the public against such deceptive schemes. If you receive unsolicited investment links or are added to suspicious WhatsApp groups, it is advisable to report and block them immediately. In the unfortunate event of falling victim to such a scam, swift action by reporting to the police can increase the chances of tracking transactions and reclaiming lost money. Online investment scams are on the rise, and vigilance remains the best defence against financial fraud. Always verify the authenticity of trading platforms and refrain from making transactions based on unsolicited advice from unknown sources.

Cybercriminals’ New Scam: Targeting Porn Viewers

Cybercriminals New Scam: Targeting Porn Viewers have devised a new tactic to trap people. The fraudsters are using fake emails and phone calls in the name of the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) to intimidate their victims. Cybercriminals have devised a new tactic to trap people. They are using fake emails and phone calls in the name of the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) to intimidate victims. Posing as CBI officers, they claim that a person’s Google history reveals excessive pornography consumption and that an arrest warrant is being issued. To avoid arrest, victims are pressured into paying the sums demanded by these criminals. The fake email IDs the criminals use closely resemble those of the CBI and the police. When the victim realises what’s happening, the money has already been withdrawn from their bank account. Data Leaks Through Multiple Avenues Data breaches occur at multiple levels. If you have accessed your ID on another computer or mobile device or logged into a website using Google Mail, you risk data leakage. Possible Countermeasures Immediately report the cyber fraud by calling 1930. Immediately file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Portal. This portal requires information to be filled in various categories, including financial fraud, women-child-related fraud, and others. File a report at the local cyber crime police station. Case 1: An individual receives a CBI email tracing Google history that claims excessive pornography consumption. A PDF attachment with a warrant is included, bearing a stamp resembling that of a government office. The individual is instructed to appear at an office in Delhi. Case 2: A shopkeeper receives a phone call from someone claiming to be an intelligence inspector. The caller states that the mobile history reveals consistent pornography viewing, threatening legal consequences and demanding an appearance in a Delhi court. Expert View Cybercriminals send numerous phishing emails simultaneously, and two or three out of a hundred people fall prey. They mostly target older people who lack technological knowledge. When a cyber fraud trend is exposed, cybercriminals change their tactics every six months to a year.

Maharashtra Cyber Cell Cracks Down on Ticket Black Marketing Amid Coldplay Concert Scandal

Maharashtra Cyber Cell directs BookMyShow and Zomato to enforce buyer-specific tickets and ID verification at event venues to curb black marketing. The Maharashtra Cyber Cell, led by Cyber Cell Chief Mr Yashasvi Yadav, is taking significant action against ticket black marketing. The crackdown involves major ticketing platforms like BookMyShow and Zomato. The Cyber Cell has instructed BookMyShow and Zomato to implement a system where tickets for demanding events, such as Coldplay’s concert, must be issued with the buyer’s name printed on them. Event-goers will be required to present a government-issued ID (such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Driving License) to gain entry, and the name on the ticket must match the ID. This move comes in the wake of the Coldplay concert ticket black marketing case and is being enforced immediately. A white paper on the issue, containing insights and a petition for future actions, will be released soon. The new measures will be applied to ticket sales for major concerts and large-scale events across Maharashtra, with specific regulations for platforms like BookMyShow and Zomato. The ID verification system will be enforced at event venues across the state. The action comes as a response to the growing issue of individuals purchasing event tickets in bulk and reselling them at inflated prices through social media and other platforms. Cyber Cell Chief Yashasvi Yadav stated that the initiative aims to prevent this black marketing and ensure that tickets are sold at fair prices to genuine buyers. BookMyShow and Zomato have been instructed to unify a system where tickets for major events will be linked to the buyer’s name. At the event venue, attendees will need to show their valid government-issued ID, which must match the name on the ticket to gain entry. Also, a paper is being prepared to outline probable legal frameworks and technical resolutions to further combat ticket black marketing in the future. These actions are expected to reduce ticket resale at inflated prices, ensuring a more transparent and fair experience for event-goers.

Mr Shah for use of AI to combat cyber fraud, mule accounts

According to Mr Amit Shah, on February 11, 2025, the government developed a strategy to deploy Artificial Intelligence tools to identify and close “mule accounts” before they are used to launder money through cybercrime. Speaking at a meeting of the Parliamentary meeting for MHA on “Cyber Security and Cyber Crime,” Mr Shah stresses how India’s digital infrastructure has grown quickly, increasing technological risks. He underlined that combating cyber fraud requires an all-encompassing strategy that incorporates software, services, and user awareness. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi The federal minister said that it’s cybersecurity framework, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, through some initiatives, the federal minister said. various initiatives According to Mr Shah, cybercrime is a “borderless” and “formless” danger that crosses national borders. He stresses the crucial role of important organizations like the Ministry of Electronics and IT in collaborating with ministries like banking and telecom to combat cyber threats. He asked committee members to spread the word about the I4C hotline number 1930, which provides financial fraud prevention services, including banning illegal transactions. To stop their misuse before they start operating, Shah also emphasized attempts to employ artificial intelligence to identify mule accounts in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India and other institutions. He reaffirmed the government’s pledge to use Prime Minister Modi’s “STOP-THINK-TAKE ACTION” campaign to increase public awareness of cyber threats. The home minister gave important data on cybersecurity efforts, pointing out that 1.43 lakh FIRs had been filed on the I4C portal, which has over 19 crore subscribers. For national security grounds, 3,266 internet URLs and 805 apps have been prohibited following the I4C’s recommendations. To combat cyber fraud, 399 banks and financial intermediaries have also teamed up, identifying nearly 19 lakh mule accounts and stopping suspicious transactions totalling ₹2,038 crore. Shah also described the government’s commitment to cybercrime forensics, noting that 33 states and union territories now have Cyber Crime Forensic Training Labs. More than 1 lakh police personnel have signed up for training on the “CyTrain” platform, and its Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) program has produced 78,000 diplomas.

Cybercrime in Hyderabad: Police Dismantle Nationwide Fraud Network

Cybercrime in Hyderabad: Police Crack Down on Nationwide Financial Fraud Network Hyderabad, Jan 10: In a significant move to combat cybercrime in Hyderabad, the city police have arrested 23 offenders involved in a massive nationwide financial fraud network. This breakthrough came after coordinated operations across Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Large-Scale Cybercrime Network Uncovered The arrests revealed the involvement of the suspects in 30 cases within Telangana and 359 cases across the country. The fraudulent activities, which included scams targeting innocent individuals, resulted in financial losses amounting to Rs 5.30 crore. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cybercrimes), Dara Kavitha, emphasized the rise of cybercrime in Hyderabad and outlined the efforts of five dedicated teams that uncovered the syndicate’s operations. The investigations exposed sophisticated methods used by the criminals, leveraging loopholes in systems to execute large-scale scams. Types of Cyber Fraud and Seizures The cases detected include: Investment fraud: 5 cases Digital arrest scams: 2 cases Trading fraud: 3 cases Job fraud: 2 cases APK file fraud: 1 case The police seized a range of items used in the frauds, such as: Rs 40,000 in cash 25 mobile phones 45 SIM cards 29 bank passbooks/checkbooks 23 debit and credit cards A laptop Three QR code scanners Five shell company stamps Victim Relief and Preventive Measures As part of the operation, Rs 39 lakh was recovered and refunded to victims in three cases. This reflects the commitment of the cybercrime unit in ensuring justice for victims of cybercrime in Hyderabad and across India. DCP Kavitha praised the coordinated efforts that led to the dismantling of organized fraud networks. She stressed the importance of citizen awareness in combating cyber scams. Cybercrime Prevention Tips for Citizens The Hyderabad police issued a set of advisories to protect citizens from falling victim to scams. Key recommendations include: Avoid interacting with unknown individuals on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Be cautious of platforms offering high returns on small investments. Remember that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not issue digital arrests or demand money to prove innocence. Verify suspicious claims by visiting your nearest police station. A Step Forward in Fighting Cybercrime in Hyderabad This operation marks a crucial step in addressing cybercrime in Hyderabad and dismantling fraudulent networks on a national scale. The Hyderabad police’s efforts underline their commitment to protecting citizens and preventing future scams.