Lucknow | January 1, 2026: Stepping up its crackdown on cybercrime, the Uttar Pradesh Police froze ₹325.25 crore siphoned off in financial cyber fraud cases during 2025, using the banking system to prevent further diversion of funds. According to consolidated police data, the amount accounts for nearly one-fourth of the total money lost by victims, underscoring the impact of timely complaints and improved coordination between enforcement agencies and banks.
Nearly 88,000 Cybercrime Cases Registered Since 2017
Cumulative figures released by the police show that between 2017 and mid-December 2025, a total of 87,850 cybercrime cases were registered across Uttar Pradesh. Investigations were completed in 75,272 cases, while action was initiated against 53,639 accused. During this period, police were able to recover ₹382.25 crore from the total amount cheated through various forms of cyber fraud.
Prompt Complaints Drove Sharp Rise in Recovery Rate
Police data further indicates that the ₹325.25 crore frozen in 2025 alone pertains to cases in which victims promptly lodged complaints on the National Cybercrime Reporting (NCR) portal and the 1930 cybercrime helpline. Swift reporting enabled real-time coordination between banks and investigating agencies, allowing suspicious transactions to be halted before the funds could be moved further. As a result, the recovery rate improved sharply—from 11 per cent in 2024 to 24 per cent in 2025.
Technology Upgrades Strengthen Digital Money Trail Tracking
While the police did not share case-specific details, officials said the volume of funds frozen reflects faster response times, effective tracking of digital money trails, and stronger coordination with the banking system. According to them, investigation mechanisms have been technologically upgraded to keep pace with the rapidly evolving patterns of cybercrime.
Uttar Pradesh Records High Cybercrime Conviction Rate
Referring to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2023, police said Uttar Pradesh recorded a conviction rate of 87.8 per cent in cybercrime cases—nearly double the national average. This, officials noted, points to improved quality of investigation and stronger prosecution in cyber-related offences across the state.
Post-Covid Digital Shift Fuels New Fraud Techniques
Police officials observed that cybercrime cases have surged in the post-Covid period, as mobile phones, computers and e-commerce platforms became integral to daily life. Cybercriminals exploited this increased digital dependence by deploying newer fraud techniques, including fake investment schemes, ‘digital arrest’ scams, social engineering tactics and banking frauds.
Cyber Policing Infrastructure Expanded Across the State
To strengthen enforcement, the state has significantly expanded its cyber policing infrastructure. The number of cyber police stations has been increased from 18 to 75 across Uttar Pradesh. In addition, cyber helpdesks have been strengthened in every police station, and nearly 18,000 police personnel have been trained in cybercrime investigation and rapid response.
As part of coordinated action during 2025, police also blocked more than 77,000 mobile numbers and disabled 17,692 mobile handsets by blocking their IMEI numbers. Officials said this strategy is aimed at disrupting the operational backbone of cyber fraud networks, including the misuse of mule accounts and burner phones used by fraudsters.
Police Stress Public Vigilance and Immediate Reporting
Police reiterated that public awareness remains a critical component of their cybercrime prevention strategy. Citizens have been urged to stay alert against suspicious calls, links and investment offers, and to immediately report any suspected cyber fraud on the 1930 helpline or the NCR portal. Timely reporting, officials stressed, is crucial to minimizing financial losses and enabling swift action against cybercriminals.
