Mumbai : The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has frozen more than ₹700 crore linked to cyber frauds committed between 2019 and 2025. The unprecedented recovery, involving real-time coordination with banks, payment gateways, and digital wallet providers, is among the largest of its kind in India.
The action was based on thousands of complaints lodged through India’s national cybercrime helpline numbers 1930 and 1945, which channel cyber fraud reports to the central cybercrime control system.
Round-the-Clock 1930 Helpline Powers Real-Time Cyber Response
The 1930 national helpline, operational 24×7, has been instrumental in flagging and mitigating cyber frauds across Maharashtra. Managed by a Command and Control Centre in Mahape, Navi Mumbai, the helpline is supported by over 150 trained cyber experts and staff.
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Officials revealed that the helpline receives approximately 8,000 calls daily, maintaining a 100% response rate—the best in India. Once a complaint is received, alerts are instantly dispatched through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) to concerned banks and law enforcement agencies to block suspicious transactions before funds vanish.
“Our aim is to intercept fraudulent activity within minutes,” a senior official said. “If red flags are raised in real-time, we coordinate with financial institutions to place a hold or lien on the transaction, preventing further misuse.”
₹700 Crore Frozen: Refunds Likely in Coming Months
According to cybercrime officials, the frozen ₹700 crore represents funds that were either in transit or held in accounts flagged for fraudulent activity. Legal proceedings are currently underway to facilitate the reimbursement of these funds to verified victims.
While retrieving money from fraud cases is often a long and legally complex process, officials expressed optimism that refunds could begin in the coming months, provided court approvals are timely.
“This recovery is not just a number—it reflects the tireless efforts to return victims their rightful money,” the officer added. “We are pushing to ensure victims see justice not just on paper, but in their bank accounts.”
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Cybercrime Epicenters: Mumbai, Pune, Thane Lead the Surge
Data from Maharashtra Cyber Cell shows Mumbai, Pune, and Thane remain the top cybercrime hotspots. In 2024 alone, Mumbai reported 54,836 cybercrime complaints, Pune followed with 26,332, and Thane registered 23,148.
Emerging cities like Navi Mumbai and Pimpri-Chinchwad have also shown a sharp uptick in digital fraud cases, suggesting a widening threat across urban centers as internet penetration and digital transactions rise.
Officials emphasized the need for greater public awareness, improved digital hygiene, and institutional resilience in the face of evolving cyber threats.