Cybercrime losses in Maharashtra have reached alarming levels. The state government informed the Legislative Council that between 2024 and 2026, as many as 1.99 lakh cyber fraud cases were registered through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP) and the 1930 helpline, involving financial losses of ₹941 crore. The defrauded money was routed through 33.41 lakh so-called mule accounts used to facilitate online scams.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in a written reply, stated that authorities have so far managed to freeze ₹191.6 crore linked to suspicious transactions. The transactions were primarily associated with accounts of State Bank of India. The process of refunding the frozen amount to victims is carried out following court directives.
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₹7,592 Crore Lost In Two Years
The government further revealed that during 2024 and 2025 alone, a total of 5.16 lakh cases involving suspicious online transactions were registered via the NCCRP portal and helpline. In these cases, victims collectively lost ₹7,592 crore. Of this, ₹1,057.89 crore was successfully withheld before it could be fully siphoned off.
The issue was raised in the Legislative Council by members including Satej D. Patil, Sanjay Khodke, Amol Mitkari and Dr Parinay Phuke, who expressed concern over the rising number of cyber fraud incidents and called for stronger preventive mechanisms.
Cyber Security Project In Navi Mumbai
To combat the growing threat, the state has launched the Maharashtra Cyber Security Project at Mahape in Navi Mumbai. The facility is equipped with advanced technology, trained personnel and digital forensic tools aimed at accelerating investigations into online fraud, phishing scams, investment traps and so-called “digital arrest” schemes.
According to the government, 50 cyber laboratories attached to local police stations are currently operational across the state. These labs are equipped for digital evidence collection, data recovery and transaction tracking. A dedicated website has also been launched to enable citizens to register complaints and track the status of their cases.
1,000 Officers Receive Specialised Training
Nearly 1,000 police officers have been trained by 26 cyber experts in the use of digital forensic tools. The training covers banking fraud investigation, identification of mule accounts, IP address tracking and preservation of digital evidence. Officials noted that prompt reporting significantly increases the chances of freezing fraudulent transactions in time.
Growing Threat, Rising Challenges
Cyber experts point out that mule accounts enable fraudsters to quickly move money across multiple accounts, making tracking complex and time-sensitive. In several cases, fake KYC documents, rented bank accounts and inter-state criminal networks have been uncovered. Investment apps, part-time job offers, instant loan apps and social media scams have emerged as the most common fraud categories during this period.
While the government claims that technological upgrades and awareness campaigns are underway to curb cybercrime, the scale of losses underscores the magnitude of the challenge. With digital transactions expanding rapidly, coordinated enforcement, stronger banking safeguards and sustained public awareness will be crucial in containing the surge in online financial fraud.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
