Will Kolkata Police Launch Seven New Units to Fight Cyber Fraud?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kolkata, Feb 14 (NationPress) The Kolkata Police is set to establish seven specialized units within its cyber crime division to confront the escalating incidents of cyber fraud in the city. As confirmed by sources at the Lalbazar police headquarters on Saturday, this initiative has received approval from the state secretariat.
In addition, Kolkata Police have introduced a dedicated helpline for reporting cyber fraud complaints.
The existing cyber crime police station is among the seven new units being created.
The six additional units are designated as follows: Organised Cyber Crime, Cyber Security and Cyber Safety, Cyber Fraud Recovery, Cyber Forensic Laboratory, Cyber Crime Coordination and Support, and Social Media Monitoring Cell.
Currently, four inspectors are assigned to the Organised Cyber Crime Section, while the other six units have two inspectors each, supplemented by sub-inspectors and other police staff.
The Organised Cyber Crime Section will focus primarily on monitoring organized cyber crimes. According to police reports, criminals are fraudulently withdrawing substantial sums from victims by posing as legitimate identities and operating fraudulent call centers.
These agents are illegally obtaining fake SIM cards that are also trafficked internationally. Various cyber crimes are being perpetrated in a systematic manner, from enticing victims with investment schemes to executing fraudulent digital arrests. Officers in this section will oversee these activities.
The Cyber Security and Cyber Safety Section is tasked with conducting ongoing awareness campaigns regarding online safety and security. The Cyber Fraud Recovery Section will act swiftly to recover stolen funds in cases reported within a critical timeframe known as the 'golden hour.'
According to police, forensic laboratories are vital for extracting and analyzing data from digital devices such as mobile phones and laptops to trace criminals. The Cyber Forensic Laboratory will manage these technical investigations.
Since cyber fraud operations frequently span multiple cities and even extend to countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, and Nepal, the Cyber Crime Coordination and Support Section will aid in tracking suspects across jurisdictions, potentially involving Interpol.
Lastly, the Social Media Monitoring Cell will oversee online platforms to curtail the spread of misinformation and the misuse of social media for illicit activities.