The Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate has reported a significant breakthrough in its fight against cybercrime for the year 2025. The force successfully registered 269 cases, arrested 215 individuals involved in cyber fraud, and most notably, recovered a substantial sum of Rs 24.4 crore that was stolen from victims.
Major Financial Recovery and Arrests
Police Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey revealed these figures while presenting the annual crime data for 2025. He highlighted the coordinated efforts of the dedicated cyber police unit and local police stations. Of the total Rs 24.4 crore recovered, the specialized cyber cell was responsible for retrieving Rs 18.5 crore, with the remaining amount recovered through the efforts of various police stations across the jurisdiction.
"Our teams undertook extensive operations, traveling to multiple cities across India to track down and apprehend the suspects," Commissioner Choubey stated, underscoring the nationwide reach of their investigations.
The Critical 'Golden Hour' for Victims
A key factor in the successful recovery of funds was the prompt reporting of crimes by victims. Officers emphasized the concept of the 'golden hour'—the critical period immediately after a person realizes they have been defrauded.
"The money recovered last year was largely possible because victims reported the crime swiftly," explained an officer from the Pimpri Chinchwad cyber police. "This immediate reporting allows us to contact banks without delay and initiate processes to block or reverse fraudulent transactions before the money is siphoned off through multiple accounts."
Ongoing Awareness Drives Amid Rising Threats
Despite these enforcement successes, Commissioner Choubey acknowledged that citizens continue to fall prey to sophisticated cyber criminals. To combat this, the police are proactively conducting extensive cyber awareness programmes.
"Our cyber police team regularly visits IT companies, schools, and colleges to educate people about the latest cyber fraud techniques and preventive measures," he said. In a major outreach effort in 2025, the police organized a virtual town hall on cyber awareness, which saw participation from 12,000 individuals representing educational institutions, corporate offices, and residential societies.
The police urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activity immediately to maximize the chances of recovering lost funds and bringing perpetrators to justice.
