Have 1.5 crore investors lost ₹22,552 crore in Maharashtra over the last decade?
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Synopsis
In a shocking revelation, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reported that over one crore investors have lost ₹22,552 crore to fraudulent schemes in the past decade, excluding Mumbai. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for heightened awareness and effective measures against cyber crimes in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Over one crore investors have lost ₹22,552 crore in the last decade.
- The Maharashtra National Cyber Crime Reporting portal received 58,157 complaints in 2024.
- 50 cyber police stations are operational in the state.
- A Financial Intelligence Unit has been established to combat fraud.
- Modern technology is being utilized to enhance cyber crime investigations.
Mumbai, July 2 (NationPress) In the face of escalating cyber and digital crime, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also serves as the state's Home Minister, revealed to the state council that over one crore investors have been defrauded of ₹22,552 crore through various investment schemes over the past decade, excluding Mumbai.
As per the Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai Police, 2.71 lakh investors fell victim to fraud amounting to ₹2,95,451 crore in the last ten years. From 2016 to May 2025, there were approximately 46,321 recorded cyber crime offences involving the deception of investors for a total of ₹11,033.97 crore.
In response to inquiries from Congress legislator Satej Patil and others, CM Fadnavis stated that in 2024, the Maharashtra National Cyber Crime Reporting portal received 58,157 complaints of investor fraud totaling ₹1,187.46 crore.
In Mumbai alone, 31,583 complaints were lodged, while Pune reported 13,971 and Thane had 12,582 complaints.
Additionally, in 2025, 540 complaints were recorded on the Maharashtra National Cyber Crime Reporting portal.
CM Fadnavis noted the operational status of 50 cyber police stations throughout the state. To proactively inform citizens about fraudulent schemes, the government has launched a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) within the Mumbai Police Commissionerate, with similar units established under the jurisdiction of other Police Commissioners and Superintendents of Police across the state.
The government has equipped cyber labs and police stations with modern software and hardware to enhance the efficiency of cyber crime investigations.
Officers and constables have received training in the detection of cyber crimes, and a state-of-the-art laboratory has been set up to support these efforts.
A comprehensive awareness campaign is underway to educate citizens, students, teachers, and administrative staff about cyber and digital crimes.
The Chief Minister urged citizens to remain vigilant and alert against cyber crimes through social media, the Internet, and other platforms.
In a related inquiry by BJP legislator Parinay Fuke, CM Fadnavis disclosed that 303 offences linked to mephedrone, commonly known as ‘Meow Meow,’ were registered in 2022, with 642 in 2023 and 545 in 2024.
Point of View
It's imperative to recognize the scale of the cyber crime crisis in Maharashtra. The staggering figures reported by CM Fadnavis reflect a serious threat to investors' trust. The establishment of specialized units and awareness campaigns are crucial steps, but sustained efforts and collaboration between law enforcement and the community are essential to combat this issue effectively.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many investors have been duped in Maharashtra?
Over one crore investors have been defrauded of ₹22,552 crore in the past decade, excluding Mumbai.
What measures is the Maharashtra government taking against cyber crime?
The government has established 50 cyber police stations and a Financial Intelligence Unit to combat cyber crime and raise awareness among citizens.
What types of complaints have been reported?
The Maharashtra National Cyber Crime Reporting portal received a total of 58,157 complaints of investor fraud in 2024 alone.
What is the role of the Financial Intelligence Unit?
The Financial Intelligence Unit aims to alert citizens about fraudulent schemes and assist in preventing cyber crimes.
How is the government enhancing cyber crime investigations?
The government is equipping cyber labs and police stations with modern software and hardware for faster investigations.
