Centre Launches Pilot Project to Assist States in Cybercrime Investigations with 1% Arrest Rate

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched a pilot project to help states combat cybercrimes, with the initiation of the Cyber Investigation Assistance Request (CIAR) allowing states to seek central government support. Teams with cyber experts, legal aides, and I4C officials have been established to assist state police cybercrime cells.

Official data shows that cyber fraud cases have resulted in losses amounting to Rs 25,000 crore over the past three years, emphasizing the need for increased collaboration between state and central government agencies in addressing cybercrime challenges.

The CIAR, aimed at improving cybercrime investigation quality and speed, has not been officially inaugurated yet as the ministry evaluates the effectiveness of this approach. Other initiatives, including the introduction of cyber commandos, are also in the pipeline.