Kolkata's Cybercrime Landscape Shifts as Digital Arrest Cases Halve
In a significant development for urban cybersecurity, Kolkata has witnessed a dramatic 50% reduction in digital arrest fraud cases between 2024 and 2025, according to data released by police cyber units on Safer Internet Day. However, this positive trend contrasts sharply with the persistent dominance of investment and hotel booking frauds, which continue to plague the city's digital ecosystem.
Regional Variations in Cybercrime Patterns
The Bidhannagar City Police identify digital arrest fraud as their primary cybercrime concern, while Kolkata Police grapple with investment and hotel booking scams as their most prevalent threats. "It is not necessary that one form of cybercrime uniformly dominates others. Each region has its own set of issues," explained a senior police officer, highlighting the localized nature of digital criminal activities.
Alarming Statistics and Recovery Challenges
Kolkata Police receive between 1,000 and 1,200 cybercrime complaints monthly, with approximately 80% involving financial fraud and the remaining 20% comprising impersonation or social media abuse cases. Despite recovering Rs 37 crore out of Rs 208 crore lost in 2025, authorities emphasize that only a centralized, coordinated response can effectively streamline financial restitution for victims.
Vulnerable Demographics and Prolonged Schemes
While all demographic groups face cybercrime risks, senior citizens suffer disproportionately higher monetary losses. Police attribute this to extended criminal schemes like digital arrest fraud, which allow perpetrators ample time to securely transfer and conceal stolen funds. "Crimes against them tend to drag on longer — like in digital arrest — giving scope to cyber frauds to park their money safely," noted investigators.
Targeting Organized Cybercrime Networks
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber) Abhishek Modi revealed that police are intensifying efforts to dismantle organized cybercrime operations by targeting Point of Sale (POS) centers used for procuring bulk SIM cards. "With new Department of Telecommunications guidelines, we are streamlining our response, too," Modi stated, underscoring regulatory enhancements in combating digital fraud.
Emerging Threats: Exploiting 'Secure' Websites
The Bengal Police cybercrime wing has identified a disturbing new trend where criminals exploit HTTPS security certificates and green lock symbols to create deceptive phishing sites. "The green lock and 'secure' label beside a URL no longer guarantee complete safety," warned an officer. Fraudsters register domains internationally, link them to legitimate emails and SIMs, and use mule accounts like Gmail to design convincingly secure pages that steal sensitive information.
Geographical Crime Patterns and International Transfers
Police have mapped specific trouble spots within India where cybercrimes concentrate, but also noted instances of defrauded funds being transferred overseas. "There are a few trouble spots within the country, but there are instances when we found defrauded money travelling out of the country, too," DC Modi added, indicating the transnational complexity of modern cybercrime investigations.
Initiatives like the Kolkata Police blocking cell have become increasingly crucial as cybercriminals evolve their tactics. Three recent victims reported financial losses to fake websites displaying HTTPS certificates, demonstrating the urgent need for enhanced public awareness and robust cybersecurity measures beyond traditional trust indicators.
