Is Delhi Becoming the Cybercrime Capital? Residents Face Losses Exceeding Rs 1,450 Cr Over 11 Years
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Synopsis
Delhi is grappling with a significant rise in cybercrime, with residents losing over Rs 1,450 crore to online fraud in just over a decade. Despite efforts to combat these threats, challenges remain, particularly regarding the protection of vulnerable populations. What measures are being taken to address this alarming trend?
Key Takeaways
- Residents of Delhi have suffered losses exceeding Rs 1,450 crore due to cybercrime over the past 11 years.
- The number of cyber financial fraud cases has increased nearly eightfold since 2014.
- The government has implemented several initiatives to combat cybercrime, including the establishment of dedicated cyber police stations.
- Victims, especially women, have access to support through help desks at police stations.
- Ongoing efforts are necessary to close structural gaps in combating cyber threats.
New Delhi, Aug 12 (NationPress) The national capital is witnessing a concerning surge in cybercrime incidents, with residents suffering losses exceeding Rs 1,450 crore due to online fraud from 2014 to mid-2025, as revealed by data shared in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, referencing information from the Delhi Police, disclosed that the number of cyber financial fraud cases has increased nearly eightfold during this timeframe. In 2014, there were just 226 such incidents reported, leading to losses of Rs 2.63 crore.
By 2024, the count soared to 1,591 cases, with financial losses escalating to over Rs 817 crore. In the initial half of 2025 alone (up to June 30), 184 cases have already resulted in losses exceeding Rs 70 crore. Throughout the same period, the Delhi Police has registered 11,712 cyber financial fraud cases.
Although the NCRB’s Crime in India 2022 report ranks Delhi’s cybercrime rate at 3.2 cases per lakh population, which is relatively low compared to states like Telangana and Karnataka, the financial repercussions per case in Delhi remain alarmingly high. Analysts attribute this to the city’s extensive digital infrastructure, prevalent online banking, UPI transactions, and a concentration of lucrative targets.
Despite various initiatives, significant structural issues continue to hinder the fight against cyber threats, especially those affecting women. Rai noted that the Centre has bolstered its response strategies through initiatives such as the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, and the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System.
The government has also established the National Cyber Forensic Laboratory and introduced the CyTrain MOOC platform for training law enforcement personnel.
Under the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) Scheme, financial support is being provided to states and UTs for developing cyber forensic laboratories, hiring junior cyber consultants, and training police, prosecutors, and judicial officials. In Delhi, cyber labs have been established, and a dedicated Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit is operational.
Since 2022, each of the city’s 15 districts has been equipped with a cyber police station, along with help desks in every police station to support women victims.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the increasing concern surrounding cybercrime in Delhi. The rising financial losses and the challenges faced by law enforcement emphasize the need for robust measures to protect citizens. The government must continue to enhance its strategies to combat this growing threat effectively.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total loss due to cybercrime in Delhi over the past decade?
Residents have lost over Rs 1,450 crore to cybercrime incidents in Delhi from 2014 to mid-2025.
How much has the number of cyber financial fraud cases increased?
The number of cyber financial fraud cases in Delhi has increased nearly eightfold over the past decade.
What initiatives has the government implemented to combat cybercrime?
The government has established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, and the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System.
Are there any specific measures for protecting women from cybercrime?
Yes, the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children Scheme provides financial assistance for training and resources aimed at protecting women.
How many cyber police stations are there in Delhi?
Since 2022, each of Delhi's 15 districts has a dedicated cyber police station.
