Cybercrime Surge in Mumbai Exposes Leadership, Resource Gaps in Police Department

Mumbai, 25th December 2024: On October 11, 2024, Devendra Fadnavis, then Deputy Chief Minister and now Chief Minister, inaugurated a Cybercrime Investigation Capacity Centre in Navi Mumbai, a project valued at Rs 837 crore. During the event, he emphasized the need for proactive measures to counter cyber threats. However, this vision contrasts sharply with the reality in Mumbai, where the cyber police department has been operating without a full-time Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for over 575 days—nearly 19 months—since May 29, 2023.

Despite internal requests, no full-time DCP has been appointed, leaving the role temporarily managed by DCPs from the crime branch. This leadership gap persists even as cybercrime cases in Mumbai have surged by 350% over the past year, with financial frauds exceeding Rs 1,200 crore. However, the recovery rate remains a meagre 11–12%, highlighting the inadequacies in addressing this escalating issue.

The absence of a permanent DCP Cyber has hampered the department’s ability to tackle organized cybercrime networks, train officers effectively, and implement long-term strategies. A full-time DCP is crucial for managing five regional cyber police stations, which handle high-value cases exceeding Rs 10 lakh. Without a dedicated leader, decision-making delays and the inability to address critical issues further weaken the department’s response to cybercrime.

The department is also grappling with severe staff shortages, with over 40% of positions vacant, including that of the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP). Officers are overburdened, handling over 35 cases each, limiting their ability to conduct thorough investigations. For example, the West Region Cyber Police station saw a surge in cases, from 138 FIRs in 2023 to 350 by September 2024, with projections exceeding 500 by year-end. Despite this workload, no additional staff or resources have been allocated.

The department’s challenges are compounded by the lack of accurate data on the financial losses caused by cybercrime. Only five of Mumbai’s 99 police stations maintain records of the amounts involved in cybercrime cases. The police headquarters lacks a centralized system to track and analyze this data, underscoring the urgent need for reforms.

While the Prime Minister and the central government have prioritized combating cybercrime, Mumbai Police’s local response remains inadequate. A senior officer noted that despite the police force’s reputation, its failure to address cybercrime effectively is undermining public confidence. Another officer stressed the importance of appointing a full-time DCP Cyber to focus on emerging trends, collaborate with international agencies, and formulate strategies to counter this rapidly evolving threat.

The absence of leadership and resources reflects a reactive rather than proactive approach, leaving the city vulnerable to cybercriminals. As one cyber expert lamented, the department is unable to match the pace of evolving threats, risking further harm to the city’s residents and their financial security.