The Telangana Cybersecurity Bureau (TGCSB) has reported an 18% rise in cybercrime complaints this year, with 1,14,174 cases registered compared to 91,652 in 2023. Director Shikha Goel attributed the increase to enhanced reporting mechanisms, including the establishment of seven cybercrime police stations and a dedicated 1930 call center. These measures also facilitated the freezing of ₹244.56 crore in fraudulent transactions, with ₹176.71 crore successfully refunded to 17,411 victims.
Intensified Crackdown on Cybercriminals
In a determined effort to combat cybercrime, TGCSB arrested 21 individuals linked to 25 cases in Telangana and 73 across the nation. The suspects included professionals from various fields such as delivery workers, gym trainers, real estate agents, and private employees. They were allegedly involved in schemes ranging from KYC frauds and business investment scams to part-time job and matrimonial frauds.
“The arrests underscore our zero-tolerance approach towards cybercriminals,” Shikha Goel stated, adding that operations targeted offenders in Hyderabad, Cyberabad, Rachakonda, Karimnagar, and Jagtial.
The bureau also uncovered connections with 714 suspects nationwide and identified 325 cybercrime hotspots. Of those arrested, 13 individuals were found to have used their bank accounts to withdraw ₹8.2 crore in illicit funds. The remaining eight suspects acted as agents, transferring proceeds to counterparts abroad via cryptocurrency. Investigations are ongoing into five associated crypto wallets to trace further financial flows.
Telangana Leads in Cybercrime FIR Conversions
Telangana emerged as one of the top five states in converting cybercrime complaints into First Information Reports (FIRs), registering 24,643 FIRs this year. The TGCSB’s innovative tools like Cycaps and ICACCOPS played a pivotal role in streamlining operations and improving investigative efficiency.
The bureau also conducted 20,677 awareness campaigns and operations across Telangana and Rajasthan, leading to the arrest of 75 cybercriminals implicated in over 4,000 cases nationwide.
Expanding Cybersecurity Infrastructure
TGCSB has significantly bolstered its cybersecurity framework with initiatives such as the establishment of cyber academies, a Child Protection Unit, and extensive training programs for 850 cyber warriors. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to combat online exploitation and enhance digital safety.
Additionally, the bureau’s contributions to the central SAMANWAY portal have further strengthened inter-state coordination in tackling cybercrime.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, Telangana’s proactive measures and innovative solutions are setting a benchmark in cybersecurity enforcement and awareness, ensuring a safer digital environment for its citizens.
