Centralised Complaint System, Gang Database, and Public Awareness Campaigns in Focus
New Delhi, May 16 – In response to the alarming rise in digital arrest fraud cases, Delhi Police is developing a comprehensive strategy that includes a centralised complaint platform, detailed gang profiling, and awareness initiatives, officials confirmed on Saturday.A four-member committee has been established to spearhead the initiative. Headed by a Special Commissioner-rank officer, the committee also comprises a Deputy Commissioner of Police as convenor and two senior officers of Joint and Additional Commissioner rank.
The initiative follows a steep surge in cybercrimes where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials, government authorities, or courier agents. These criminals deceive victims—often over video calls mimicking legal proceedings—and coerce them into transferring large sums of money under the false pretense of imminent arrest.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Indians lost an estimated Rs 120 crore to digital arrest scams in just four months between January and April 2024. The MHA monitors cybercrime at the national level via the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
Unified Online Complaint Portal in Development
One of the most pressing issues, officials noted, is the confusion victims face about jurisdiction when attempting to file a complaint. To address this, Delhi Police is working on a centralised online platform that will allow victims to lodge complaints seamlessly, regardless of their location.“This unified system will significantly improve response times and enhance inter-agency coordination,” a senior officer said.
Profiling Gangs and Their Modus Operandi
In tandem with specialised cybercrime units, Delhi Police is compiling a comprehensive database of cyber fraud gangs. This will include detailed profiles, criminal records, locations, and operational tactics.“By mapping these criminals and analysing their modus operandi, we aim to implement early-warning systems and build robust preventive measures,” the officer explained.
Public Advisories and Stakeholder Collaboration
To increase awareness and curb the spread of such frauds, Delhi Police will circulate detailed advisories on common tactics used by scam networks. These will be disseminated through district police units, public platforms, financial institutions, and telecom providers.CyberPeace Founder and Global President Vineet Kumar emphasised the importance of these steps, calling digital arrest scams “a significant and evolving challenge in the cybercrime landscape.”
“A centralised reporting mechanism is a crucial step toward recognising patterns and preventing future cases,” he added.
Recent Case Highlights Growing Threat
In a recent incident that underscores the urgency of the initiative, a 79-year-old former freelance journalist in Hauz Khas, Delhi, was defrauded of Rs 2.36 crore. The fraudsters, posing as CBI officials, threatened her with arrest in a fabricated money laundering case. She later filed a complaint with the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of the Delhi Police.As cyber fraud continues to grow in sophistication, Delhi Police’s multi-layered strategy aims to protect citizens by streamlining reporting, improving intelligence, and raising public vigilance.