₹700 Crore Frozen in Maharashtra Cyber Fraud Crackdown, Victim Refunds Possible Soon
Mumbai: In a significant blow against online crime, the Maharashtra Cyber Cell has frozen assets exceeding ₹700 crore connected to digital fraud cases reported from 2019 to 2025. This major enforcement action was initiated based on complaints filed through the national cybercrime helplines 1930 and 1945.
Officials confirmed that the substantial sum was identified and blocked through coordinated efforts with banks, payment gateways, and digital wallet providers. Although the frozen funds remain subject to ongoing legal procedures, authorities indicated that defrauded individuals could potentially see reimbursements in the coming months if court processes conclude favorably.
24/7 Helpline at the Core: Serving as the central reporting hub for cybercrimes across Maharashtra, the national helpline 1930 operates non-stop from the Command and Control Centre in Mahape, Navi Mumbai. Staffed by a team of over 150 cyber specialists and support personnel, the helpline handles roughly 8,000 calls daily.
Praised for achieving a 100% response rate noted as the best in India the system triggers immediate alerts to relevant banks and law enforcement agencies via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal the moment a complaint is lodged.
Real-Time Intervention: Maharashtra Cyber Cell officials emphasized their real-time collaboration with banks and financial institutions to intercept suspicious transactions. Upon detecting potential fraud, instructions are issued instantly to place a lien or hold on the funds.
Path to Reimbursement: Authorities stated that legal proceedings are progressing steadily. They acknowledged the complexity and time involved in recovering defrauded money but expressed optimism that victims might start receiving refunds in the near future, marking a positive development in cybercrime redressal.
Cybercrime Hotspots Identified: Official data confirms Mumbai, Pune, and Thane continue as Maharashtra’s primary cybercrime hotspots. In 2024 alone, Mumbai reported 54,836 complaints, Pune recorded 26,332, and Thane registered 23,148. A sharp rise in incidents is also noted in Navi Mumbai and Pimpri-Chinchwad, signaling an expanding trend of digital fraud across the state’s urban centers.