Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in a written reply to a question in the State Legislative Assembly on Monday, revealed that cyber criminals have siphoned off a total of ₹222.09 crore in the past 16 months. The data reflects the alarming surge in online fraud cases, underscoring the growing threat of cybercrime in the state.
According to official figures, Odisha registered 3,486 cases of cybercrime during this period, affecting thousands of individuals across various districts. The CM’s statement also highlighted that law enforcement agencies are intensifying investigations and awareness drives to tackle the expanding menace.
727 Arrested, Over ₹6.74 Crore Frozen in Accounts
The Chief Minister’s reply noted that 727 people have been arrested in connection with the reported cybercrime cases. Charge sheets have been filed against 104 individuals involved in organised cyber fraud networks.
Authorities have managed to freeze bank accounts containing ₹6.74 crore and have refunded ₹61.36 lakh to victims who lost money to online scams. Officials said the ongoing investigations aim to trace the larger financial network enabling these crimes and to prevent further digital theft.
69 ‘Digital Arrests’ Reported; Awareness Drives Underway
Responding to a non-starred question from Pattangi Congress MLA Rama Chandra Kadam, the Chief Minister stated that “as many as 69 digital arrests” took place in the past 16 months. The MLA had asked how many arrests had been made and what portion of the stolen funds had been returned to victims.
Crime Branch Director General Vinaytosh Mishra previously said that multiple specialised teams are investigating cyber fraud cases across the state. “We are also creating awareness about cybercrime among people to help them recognise and avoid digital traps,” he added.
Cybercrime Cases Doubled Since 2022
The data marks a sharp escalation in cyber fraud incidents compared to previous years. Between 2022 and early 2025, cybercriminals had looted around ₹125 crore, with 6,368 cases registered and 1,388 individuals arrested. The latest figures indicate a near-doubling of financial losses in just 16 months, suggesting the sophistication and frequency of cyber scams have intensified.
Experts say the surge in cybercrime is linked to the rapid expansion of digital payments, mobile banking, and online investments, which have made individuals more vulnerable to phishing, OTP scams, and fake trading applications.
Government Steps Up Cybersecurity Measures
To curb the rise in online fraud, the Odisha Crime Branch has been strengthening its cyber policing infrastructure, including digital forensics, inter-state coordination, and awareness campaigns in rural and urban areas. Officials have also been collaborating with banks and telecom operators to identify suspicious accounts and prevent fraudulent transactions.
The state government is reportedly planning to expand its cyber police units in all districts and introduce advanced data monitoring tools to detect fraudulent digital activities in real time.
