Mumbai, March 17 A total of 2,163 cybercrimes related to investment scams were registered in Maharashtra last year, leading to the arrest of 455 accused, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the state assembly on Tuesday.
The state has stepped up measures to combat cyber fraud, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as women, children, and senior citizens, Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, stated in a written reply to a question by Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh.
He said the Maharashtra Cyber Security Project has been implemented with advanced technology and skilled manpower, with its headquarters located at Mahape in Navi Mumbai.
"To control cyber offences across the state, a nodal cyber police station has been set up and 50 district cyber labs and police units are functioning to investigate technically complex cyber crimes," the CM said.
He also highlighted that 26 expert consultants have trained around 1,000 police officers and staff in the use of forensic tools for cyber investigations.
Fadnavis cited instances of large-scale investment frauds, including cases where victims were lured through fake trading applications and social media platforms, resulting in losses running into crores of rupees.
Awareness campaigns are being conducted through social media platforms along with the official portal www.cybercrime.gov.in and the cyber helpline number 1930 to help people report and prevent cybercrimes, he added.