Published: 20 February 2026The Print / The 420Governance
MHA Report: Cybercrime Cases in India Rose 24% in 2025; Indians Lost ₹22,495 Crore, Mainly to Investment Scams
Data released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in February 2026 revealed that cybercrime cases in India saw a 24% spike in 2025, with Indians losing ₹22,495 crore — predominantly to investment scams, which accounted for more than 75% of total losses. A total of 24,02,579 financial-fraud complaints were recorded on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal in 2025, up from 19,18,835 in 2024, though the number of FIRs registered fell to 55,484 from 66,370 as banks and police intervened faster to freeze funds.
The data was reported on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), which has emerged as a critical tool for real-time tracking. India now has 459 dedicated cybercrime police stations — up from 169 in 2020 — with Uttar Pradesh leading at 75 stations. The MHA's Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), established under the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) scheme, coordinates national responses. For Rajasthan, the report has direct policy implications: the state's growing digital economy and large rural population with low digital literacy make investment fraud and digital arrest scams a major threat. The state police's Cyber Crime wing has identified a sharp rise in 'digital arrest' fraud cases in districts like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.
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According to MHA, by what percentage did cybercrime cases in India rise in 2025?
Explanation · Correct answer AMHA report stated cybercrime cases rose 24% in 2025 with ₹22,495 crore lost.
Frequently asked questions
By how much did cybercrime cases in India rise in 2025 and what were the total financial losses?
According to MHA/PIB data released in February 2026, 24,02,579 financial-fraud complaints were recorded on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal in 2025, resulting in reported losses of ₹22,495 crore — among the highest annual cybercrime losses recorded in India.
What type of scam accounted for over 75% of cybercrime losses in India in 2025?
Investment scams — including fake stock market trading platforms and fraudulent job offers — accounted for over 75% of the total ₹22,495 crore cybercrime losses in 2025. Victims were lured with promises of high returns and then defrauded through phishing sites and fake apps.
What is the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and how can a victim report cybercrime?
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) at cybercrime.gov.in is a centralised platform launched by MHA where victims can register cybercrime complaints online. The accompanying helpline number is 1930, which victims can call immediately to report financial fraud and initiate response procedures.
How has India's cybercrime police infrastructure expanded between 2020 and the present?
India's dedicated cybercrime police station network expanded from 169 stations in 2020 to 459 stations by 2026 — an increase of nearly 172%. This expansion is part of India's broader effort to build a specialised law enforcement response to the rapidly growing cybercrime problem.
What is the legal framework under which cybercrime is prosecuted in India?
Cybercrime in India is prosecuted primarily under the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act), which covers offences like hacking, data theft, and online fraud. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, which replaced the IPC, also contains provisions for cybercrime-related offences including cheating, extortion, and identity theft.
