How Did Chennai Police Recover Rs 10.25 Crore from Cyber Fraud?

Synopsis
In a powerful move against cyber fraud, the Chennai Police have recovered an impressive amount of money for victims. Discover how they achieved this and the rising threats posed by cybercriminals.
Key Takeaways
- Chennai Police have recovered Rs 10.25 crore for cyber fraud victims.
- Over Rs 2 crore was returned in May 2025.
- Legal actions include freezing Rs 36.27 crore linked to cybercriminals.
- Victims are urged to report fraud promptly.
- Beware of common scams like 'digital arrest' schemes.
Chennai, May 31 (NationPress) In a remarkable effort against cybercrime, the Greater Chennai Police (GCP) have successfully restored Rs 10.25 crore to victims of cyber fraud within the initial five months of 2025.
Notably, over Rs 2 crore was repaid in May alone, showcasing the department's intensified measures to tackle the rising tide of online financial crimes.
Alongside these recoveries, the GCP's cybercrime division has taken legal action, freezing Rs 36.27 crore across various bank accounts associated with cybercriminals.
Authorities indicate that these prompt actions are designed to disrupt the financial networks of fraudsters and discourage future offenses.
According to statistics from the Chennai Police, the city police headquarters’ cybercrime unit spearheaded the restitution efforts, reclaiming Rs 7.08 crore across 582 cases.
The South Zone cybercrime unit followed with Rs 1.66 crore in 234 cases. The North Zone retrieved Rs 56.74 lakh from 73 cases, while the West Zone recovered Rs 60.52 lakh in 234 cases, and the East Zone brought back Rs 33.38 lakh in 183 cases.
In May alone, the headquarters’ cyber team successfully recovered Rs 1.57 crore from 26 cyber fraud cases. Police have raised alarm about the growing trend of “digital arrest” scams, where fraudsters impersonate officials from agencies such as the CBI, RAW, and Mumbai Police to create panic and manipulate victims into transferring funds.
Victims are often informed that they are under investigation or that their accounts are being misused, compelling them to comply out of fear. Other prevalent scams highlighted by the police include online part-time job frauds—where victims are initially lured into simple tasks like writing reviews or liking posts, only to be coaxed into transferring significant amounts later—and fake online trading platforms that promise high returns.
GCP Commissioner A. Arun has issued a strong advisory urging the public to stay alert and refrain from transferring money to unknown bank accounts.
He stressed the necessity of prompt action in such cases and encouraged victims to report incidents immediately by contacting the cybercrime helpline 1930 or visiting the national cybercrime portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in.