Taking a serious view of the sharp rise in cybercrime across the country, a parliamentary committee has recommended the creation of a new central police force on the lines of the CBI and NIA. The panel believes that digital crimes are no longer limited to financial fraud but have evolved into a major national security concern. It has stressed the urgent need for a specialised, technologically equipped and centralised agency capable of effectively countering cybercrime networks operating across the country.
Complex Multi-State Operations
According to the committee, the nature of cybercrime has become increasingly complex, with operations often spanning multiple states and international jurisdictions. Organised gangs are executing frauds in a coordinated manner from different locations, making detection and enforcement more difficult. Fake call centres, malicious mobile apps, investment scams, UPI fraud and emerging threats like ‘digital arrest’ have posed serious challenges for investigative agencies.
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Government assessments indicate that India ranks among the top global targets for cybercriminals, second only to the United States. In 2024, cybercrimes caused an estimated loss of around ₹22,000 crore in the country, while 2025 saw a further 24% increase in such incidents. These figures underline how cybercrime has evolved into a structured industry, with gangs operating in a professional, company-like manner.
The committee also highlighted that the existing investigative framework is inadequate to deal with the rapidly evolving threat landscape. Lack of seamless coordination between state-level agencies often hampers effective action. In this context, a dedicated central force with advanced technical capabilities and strong international collaboration is seen as the need of the hour.
5,000 Cyber Commandos Planned
Recognising the seriousness of the issue, the government has already initiated several steps. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has been allocated ₹142.81 crore to strengthen cyber awareness and build specialised capabilities. As part of this initiative, the government has set a target to train 5,000 ‘cyber commandos’ over the next five years. So far, 218 personnel have been trained, while around 100 are currently undergoing training.
I4C Portal Statistics
These cyber commandos will be equipped with expertise in digital forensics, cyber attack response, network security and investigation of online frauds. Efforts are also underway to enhance coordination with financial institutions and technology platforms to minimise losses and improve response mechanisms.
Between 2020 and 2025, the I4C portal recorded over 23 crore uses and received nearly 82 lakh complaints. These numbers reflect not only the expanding scale of cybercrime but also growing public awareness and reporting.
Global Cooperation Strengthened
At the international level, India has strengthened cooperation with multiple countries to tackle cyber fraud and digital arrest cases. For the financial year 2025–26, a budget of ₹1,754.88 crore has been allocated to central police organisations, with a clear focus on strengthening cyber security and technological infrastructure.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh noted, “Cybercriminals are increasingly using a mix of social engineering, fake identities and advanced technology to target victims. Unless investigative agencies develop matching technical capabilities and coordination, it will remain difficult to effectively curb this threat.“
The panel’s recommendation comes at a time when digital transactions and online services are expanding rapidly across India. Strengthening cyber security, therefore, is no longer just a technological requirement but a critical national priority.
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.
