Cybercrime in India is rising even as overall crime declines. Examine the reasons and assess the adequacy of institutional responses such as I4C.

NCRB data show that registered cybercrime rose 17.9%, from 86,420 cases in 2023 to 1,01,928 in 2024, while overall registered crime fell 6% [1]. This gap shows that crime is moving into digital spaces. Institutions led by I4C have responded well but have only partly caught up.

Reasons for the rise

• Digitisation of daily life: more digital transactions create more targets and larger losses [1].
• Wide exposure: the Lokniti–CSDS–Common Cause survey (8,306 citizens, 16 States) found that time online predicts being targeted. 33% often get fake delivery calls, and 31% regularly get investment-scam calls [1].
• New methods: "digital arrest" scams misuse Skype and WhatsApp [2].
• Organised networks: transnational gangs move stolen money through mule accounts [3].
• Easier reporting: the 1930 helpline makes complaints easier, so part of the rise is better counting [4].

Institutional response: strengths

• I4C: set up by MHA in 2018 and an Attached Office since July 2024. It covers prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution [4].
• CFCFRMS (2021): more than ₹8,690 crore saved across 24.65 lakh+ complaints, up to January 2026 [5].
• Suspect Registry (2024): 26.48 lakh mule accounts shared with banks, and transactions worth ₹9,055 crore declined [6].
• Platform action: 1,700+ Skype IDs and 59,000+ WhatsApp accounts blocked, backed by a multi-media awareness campaign [2].

Institutional response: gaps

• Data blind spot: NCRB counts only registered cases, and fraud is chronically under-reported [1].
• Recovery depends on speed: CFCFRMS can freeze money only if victims report before it is moved [5]. There is no official figure for total losses, so the recovery rate is unknown.
• Poorly targeted awareness: wealthier and more educated people report more losses [1], but campaigns seldom reach heavy users or investors.
• Mule-account holders: citizens who rent out their accounts face arrest, while the gang leaders stay abroad [3].

Cybercrime is rising because of digitisation, organised networks and better reporting. I4C has built a credible response, but it still relies mostly on recovering money after the fraud. The way forward is to extend the Suspect Registry to all banks and payment apps, run a regular official victimisation survey, and aim awareness at the groups most at risk. Preventive, data-driven policing is key to a safe digital economy and to SDG 16.