Maharashtra has reported the highest number of cyber crime cases in the past year, with a staggering 2.41 lakh complaints registered till October 2024. As per available data, Mumbai, Thane, and Pune have recorded the highest number of complaints. During the period from January to October 2024, cyber fraud amounting to ₹811 crore was reported, but the cyber police were able to recover only ₹27 crore. Since 2016, a total fraud of ₹3,216 crore has been reported, out of which only ₹61 crore has been recovered.
This alarming data has come to light through an RTI inquiry filed by activist Jitendra Ghadge. The Maharashtra government established the MahaCyber Portal in 2016, and according to the records, 2,085 cases were registered that year. By October 2024, this number had surged to 6,450 cases, indicating a threefold rise in cyber crimes over the past eight years.
Mumbai, Thane, and Pune have emerged as the hotspots for cyber crimes in the state. In 2024 alone, Mumbai recorded 54,836 cases, while Pune and Thane registered 26,332 and 23,148 cases, respectively. Other cities like Navi Mumbai (14,111 cases), Nagpur (13,442 cases), and Mira-Bhayandar-Vasai-Virar (13,229 cases) have also witnessed a rise in cyber crime incidents.
Despite the increase in cyber fraud cases, the conviction rate remains disappointingly low. In 2024, cyber police could not solve even 10% of cyber fraud cases. Out of 597 cases that were cracked, only 667 arrests were made. Historical data since 2016 shows that in the same year, the state recorded 2,085 cyber fraud cases involving ₹999 crore, the highest fraud amount recorded so far. Despite solving 50% of those cases, authorities could recover only ₹2 crore. From 2017 onwards, the resolution rate of cyber complaints has remained between 15-20%.
The number of cyber crime complaints has increased drastically over the years, with 38,652 cases registered in 2020. This number rose to 1,69,343 in 2023 and further escalated to 2,41,405 in 2024, as revealed in the RTI findings.
To report cyber fraud, citizens can register complaints through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or call the helpline at 1930. The Maharashtra Cyber Department (MahaCyber) has been operational since 2016, with the state's Additional Chief Secretary (Home) heading the department, supported by Special Inspectors General (IGs) and Deputy IGs. The MahaCyber helpline number is 14407, and complaints can be filed online through both portals.
With cyber crimes surging rapidly, authorities are under pressure to enhance investigative efforts and strengthen cyber security measures to curb financial frauds Across maharashtra.