Cybercrime Complaints Gather Dust: Less Than 1% Result in FIRs, Reveals RTI

 

A recent report obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act has shed light on the alarming reality of cybercrime complaints in Maharashtra, where a mere 0.8% of the 195,409 complaints filed from January 2022 to May 2023 resulted in First Information Reports (FIRs). The data becomes even more concerning when we consider that only 2% of the total 2,099,618 complaints received from all states and Union Territories during this period were converted into FIRs.

Retired police officers from Maharashtra have raised concerns about the inadequate number of inspectors in the cybercrime department to register cases. Under the Information Technology (IT) Act, only police officers with the rank of inspector or above can investigate cybercrime cases. The shortage of qualified personnel not only hampers effective investigations but also erodes public trust in law enforcement, according to experts.

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The RTI information was brought to light by activist Jeetendra Ghadge, who emphasized the limited effectiveness of the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal. Ghadge stated that while the portal provides an easy way for citizens across the country to register complaints, the lack of FIR registrations by states limits its impact.

Nationally, the data reveals that Delhi received a staggering 216,739 complaints on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal during the same period, with only 1.2% resulting in FIRs. However, Telangana stands out as an exception with the highest FIR registration rate at 17%, followed by Meghalaya with 8%. Assam and Tamil Nadu recorded rates of 2.7% and 2.2% respectively.

Experts have acknowledged the Union government's efforts in combating cybercrime through the introduction of the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. This initiative aims to empower victims and complainants by providing a convenient platform to report various cybercrime offenses, including online child pornography, online financial fraud, hacking, and more.

Jeetendra Ghadge emphasized the need for collaboration between the central and state governments to address the growing menace of cybercrime. He specifically called for attention to combat financial frauds, which cause vulnerable individuals to lose their hard-earned money.

To improve cybercrime reporting in India, experts from the Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF) have recommended investing in specialized cybercrime units with well-trained personnel, including experts in digital forensics and investigation techniques. They also stressed the importance of ensuring adequate resources, technology, and infrastructure to support their operations.

The FCRF researchers further emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between central and state governments, law enforcement agencies, and private organizations to share information, expertise, and resources for effective cybercrime prevention and response. They also suggested that the government establish partnerships with technology companies, financial institutions, and cybersecurity experts to enhance reporting mechanisms, develop preventive measures, and support investigation efforts.

Prashant Mali, a cyber lawyer, criticized the state government for its inaction, which allows cybercriminals to operate freely and target individuals in Mumbai. He highlighted the need for freezing stolen funds and emphasized that the low rate of filed FIRs undermines public trust in law enforcement.

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Ritesh Bhatia, a cyber expert, echoed these concerns and noted that challenges such as insufficient support from intermediaries, jurisdictional issues, and the use of false identities by cybercriminals hinder the police force's efforts to solve these cases.

Ghadge emphasized that while the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal serves as a vital channel for reporting cybercrime, its primary role is that of an intermediary. It forwards complaints to the respective states and Union territories for necessary police action since the jurisdiction of the police machinery falls under the purview of state governments.

The findings from the report highlight the urgent need for increased resources, specialized training, and collaboration between the central and state governments to effectively tackle cybercrime and restore public trust in law enforcement.

Key Highlights:

• A recent report obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act reveals that only 0.8% of the 195,409 cybercrime complaints filed in Maharashtra resulted in First Information Reports (FIRs).

• Nationally, the conversion rate of complaints into FIRs on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal was a mere 2% out of a total of 2,099,618 complaints received.

• Retired police officers from Maharashtra express concerns over the shortage of qualified inspectors with expertise in cybercrime investigations, which undermines the registration of cases and erodes public trust in law enforcement.

• Delhi had a low conversion rate of 1.2%, while Telangana stood out with a significantly higher rate of 17%, followed by Meghalaya with 8%.

• The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal serves as an online platform aimed at empowering victims and complainants to report various cybercrime offenses.

• It is important to note that the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal primarily acts as an intermediary, forwarding complaints to the respective states and Union territories for further action.

Source: https://www.the420.in/cybercrime-complaints-gather-dust-less-than-1-result-in-firs-reveals-rti/