Coimbatore | In Coimbatore, one of Tamil Nadu’s key industrial hubs, the economic impact of cybercrime reached alarming levels in 2025. According to official data from the cybercrime police station, victims lost a total of ₹87.16 crore to various forms of online fraud and digital scams over the year. Strikingly, only ₹7.66 crore could be traced and returned to victims, underlining that recovery remains the weakest link in cybercrime enforcement.
Police records show that 9,960 complaints were registered during 2025. Of these, 7,779 were financial cybercrime cases, while 2,181 were non-financial in nature. Despite the high volume of complaints, the police were able to register FIRs in only 289 cases. During the year, 60 accused were arrested, and eight individuals were detained under the Goondas Act.
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Senior police officials said that in most cases, the defrauded money is routed through mule accounts, fake KYC identities and digital payment channels, moving across multiple accounts within minutes. “If a victim delays reporting the incident, the money often exits the banking system altogether, making recovery almost impossible,” an official said.
‘No longer petty fraud, but organised crime’
An analysis by the cybercrime-focused think tank Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF) states that cyber fraud can no longer be treated as isolated incidents. Instead, it has evolved into a multi-layered, organised network, where data theft, social engineering, fake investment and job offers, and interstate and international fund transfers are closely interconnected.
According to FCRF, the rapid expansion of digital payments, coupled with phishing, KYC-based fraud, and the misuse of instant loan apps, has significantly increased risks for ordinary citizens. Delayed reporting, limited digital forensic capacity and the complexity of technical evidence further complicate investigations and reduce recovery prospects.
Expert view: ‘Prevention is the most critical link’
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof Triveni Singh says the situation calls for a fundamental shift in strategy.
“Today’s cyber frauds are completely tool-driven. Scam kits, call-centre scripts and fake databases are easily available. Unless we move towards a prevention-first approach, real-time monitoring, and tightly integrated systems between banks and telecom operators, financial losses will continue to rise,” he said.
Prof Singh emphasised rapid helpline responses, immediate freezing of suspicious accounts, and large-scale public awareness campaigns as the most effective tools to counter cyber fraud.
Crackdown on narcotics and illicit tobacco as well
Alongside cybercrime, Coimbatore police also intensified action against narcotics networks in 2025. In 324 cases, a total of 529 arrests were made. Seizures included 366.125 kg of ganja, 696 grams of methamphetamine, 66.19 grams of MDMA, 92.43 grams of cocaine, 80 ml of hashish, 5 grams of heroin, 375 grams of opium products, and 14,460 prescription tablets, with an estimated value of ₹1.34 crore. Authorities also froze 12 bank accounts linked to the accused.
In addition, action against banned tobacco products led to 518 arrests in 465 cases. Joint operations with the Food Safety Department resulted in 179 shops being sealed and the seizure of nearly 7,008 kg of illicit products, valued at approximately ₹70.08 lakh.
The road ahead
Officials say cybercrime investigations are inherently complex, involving coordination across multiple states and countries, as well as the analysis of digital logs and banking trails. Experts believe future strategy must rest on three pillars: data-driven policing, real-time fraud-blocking systems in coordination with banks and telecom companies, and sustained efforts to improve digital literacy among citizens.
According to FCRF, if a fraud complaint is lodged within 24 hours, the chances of recovering the money increase several-fold. Keeping this in mind, Coimbatore police have set clear priorities for 2026—faster complaint resolution, early identification of suspicious accounts, and large-scale cyber safety programmes in schools and colleges.
As the city becomes increasingly digital, experts warn that cybersecurity is no longer optional—it is a necessity. Without vigilance, swift reporting and coordinated action, containing financial losses from cybercrime will remain an uphill task.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
