Mumbai: Rapid growth in digital payments, social media usage and online services has pushed cyber crime in Maharashtra to an alarming level. The 2024 statistics released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) have painted a disturbing picture of rising online fraud, cyber exploitation and digital blackmailing across the state. According to the report, Maharashtra registered a total of 9,922 cyber crime cases in 2024, with online financial fraud accounting for the largest share of offences.
Online Fraud Dominates Cyber Crime Cases
The data showed that out of the total cyber crime cases registered in the state, 6,198 were committed with the intention of fraud. Apart from this, 544 cases were linked to sexual exploitation, while 68 were related to extortion, 64 to prank-related offences and 53 cases were driven by emotional motives such as anger or personal disputes. Investigators said social engineering tactics, fake investment platforms, digital arrest scams, OTP fraud and fake KYC schemes were among the most commonly used methods by cyber criminals.
The NCRB figures also indicated that cyber crime networks are becoming increasingly organised and technologically sophisticated. During 2024, Maharashtra police arrested a total of 2,526 individuals in cyber crime cases, including 51 women. Investigations revealed that several gangs were using fake bank accounts, rented SIM cards, cryptocurrency transactions and social media platforms to conceal money trails and avoid detection.
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Women and Children Face Rising Digital Risks
Cyber crimes targeting women also witnessed a worrying rise during the year. According to NCRB data, Maharashtra police registered 2,496 cyber crime cases against women in 2024. Among these, 410 cases were related to cyber stalking and cyber bullying. Another 55 cases involved cyber pornography, hosting or publishing obscene sexual content, while 21 cases were linked to online blackmailing and threats.
Cyber security experts say social media platforms and messaging applications are increasingly being used to target women. In several cases, accused individuals allegedly created fake online identities, gained victims’ trust and later used morphed photographs, video call recordings or private chats for extortion and harassment.
The situation involving cyber crimes against children has also emerged as a major concern. NCRB statistics showed that Maharashtra registered 161 cyber crime cases involving children in 2024. Out of these, 49 cases were related to cyber stalking and bullying, while 42 involved online circulation of obscene material depicting children. Five additional cases involved online blackmail, threats and harassment targeting minors.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said cyber criminals are now using psychological manipulation and social engineering techniques more aggressively than ever before. According to him, women and children have become the most vulnerable targets on digital platforms, making cyber awareness and online safety education extremely important for families.
Mumbai Among Worst Affected Metro Cities
Among metropolitan cities, Bengaluru recorded the highest number of cyber crime cases in the country with 17,561 cases in 2024. Mumbai ranked second with 4,939 registered cases, while Hyderabad stood third with 4,009 cases.
Online fraud remained the biggest category of cyber crime in Mumbai as well. Out of the city’s 4,939 cases, as many as 3,831 were related to fraud. Additionally, 214 cases involved sexual exploitation, 53 were prank-related, while 34 each were linked to extortion and emotional motives.
Experts believe cyber threats involving AI-generated scams, deepfake videos, fake investment applications and digital identity theft could rise sharply in the coming years. They warn that stronger cyber security infrastructure, faster complaint redressal systems and widespread digital literacy campaigns will be crucial in tackling the rapidly evolving threat landscape.
