Cybercrime Complaints Gather Dust: Less Than 1% Result in FIRs, Reveals RTI

MUMBAI: A recent report obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act reveals that a mere 0.8% of the 1,95,409 cybercrime complaints filed in Maharashtra on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal from January 2022 to May 2023 resulted in First Information Reports (FIRs).

The data further shows that only 2% of the total 20,99,618 complaints received from all states and Union Territories (UTs) during this period were converted into FIRs.

Concerns have been raised by retired police officers from Maharashtra, who believe that the cybercrime department lacks a sufficient number of inspectors to register cases. Under the Information Technology (IT) Act, only police officers with the rank of inspector or above can investigate cybercrime cases. This shortage of qualified personnel not only hinders effective investigations but also undermines public trust in law enforcement, according to experts.

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The RTI information was obtained by activist Jeetendra Ghadge, who highlighted the limited effectiveness of the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.

Ghadge stated, “The portal makes it easy for citizens across the country to register complaints. But the lack of FIR registrations by states limits its effectiveness.”

In a nationwide context, the data reveals that Delhi received a staggering 216,739 complaints on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal during the same period, with only 1.2% resulting in FIRs.

However, Telangana emerged as an exception with the highest FIR registration rate at 17%. Meghalaya followed with 8%, while Assam and Tamil Nadu recorded rates of 2.7% and 2.2% respectively.

Experts have acknowledged the Union government’s efforts in combating cybercrime through the introduction of the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. The initiative aims to empower victims and complainants by providing them with a convenient platform to report various cybercrime offenses, including online child pornography, online financial fraud, hacking, and more.

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Jeetendra Ghadge emphasized the need for central and state governments to collaborate in addressing the growing menace of cybercrime. He urged special attention to be given to combat financial frauds, which cause vulnerable individuals to lose their hard-earned money.

To improve cyber crime reporting in India experts from Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF) said Invest in specialized cybercrime units with well-trained personnel, including experts in digital forensics and investigation techniques. Ensure adequate resources, technology, and infrastructure to support their operations.

Future Crime researchers said we must foster stronger collaboration between central and state governments, law enforcement agencies, and private organizations to share information, expertise, and resources for effective cybercrime prevention and response.

Government must establish partnerships with technology companies, financial institutions, and cybersecurity experts to enhance reporting mechanisms, develop preventive measures, and support investigation efforts.

Prashant Mali, a cyber lawyer, criticized the state government’s inaction, noting that it enables cybercriminals to operate freely and target individuals in Mumbai. He highlighted the need for freezing stolen funds and emphasized that the low rate of filed FIRs undermines public trust in law enforcement.

Cyber expert Ritesh Bhatia echoed these concerns, noting that challenges like insufficient support from intermediaries, jurisdictional issues, and the use of false identities by cybercriminals hinder the police force’s efforts to solve these cases.

Ghadge emphasized that while the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal serves as a vital channel for reporting cybercrime, its primary role is that of an intermediary. It forwards complaints to the respective states and Union territories for necessary police action since the jurisdiction of the police machinery falls under the purview of state governments.

The findings highlight the pressing need for increased resources, specialized training, and collaboration between the central and state governments to effectively tackle cybercrime and restore public trust in law enforcement.

Key Highlights

• Only 0.8% of the 1,95,409 cybercrime complaints filed in Maharashtra resulted in FIRs, according to information obtained through the RTI Act.
• Nationwide, only 2% of the total 20,99,618 complaints received on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal converted into FIRs.
• Retired police officers from Maharashtra believe that the lack of inspectors with sufficient expertise in cybercrime investigations hampers the registration of cases, undermining public trust in law enforcement.
• Delhi had a 1.2% FIR conversion rate, while Telangana stood out with a 17% rate, followed by Meghalaya with 8%.
• The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal aims to empower victims and complainants by providing an online platform to report various cybercrime offenses.
• The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal primarily serves as an intermediary, forwarding complaints to the respective states and Union territories for further action.

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