Cybercrime Suspect Registry Saves Billions in Fraud Prevention

January 14, 2025

In the wake of rising cybercrime, India has taken steps to combat financial fraud. The online ‘suspect registry’, launched on September 10, 2025, has already proven effective. It has led to the rejection of over six lakh fraudulent transactions, saving approximately Rs 1,800 crore. This initiative, developed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), consolidates data on cybercriminals and is accessible to various law enforcement and financial institutions.

Overview of the Suspect Registry

The suspect registry is a central database containing information on 1.4 million cybercriminals. It was created to enhance the fraud risk management capabilities of the financial system. By using data from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), the registry helps identify potential threats posed by cybercriminals.

Impact on Fraudulent Transactions

Since its launch, the suspect registry has successfully declined around 6.10 lakh fraudulent transactions. This achievement has resulted in substantial financial savings for the country. The Reserve Bank of India has encouraged all banks to utilise this registry to boost their fraud prevention measures.

Cooperative Federalism in Action

The Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) was also established to promote cooperation among various stakeholders. Representatives from banks, telecom service providers, and law enforcement agencies collaborate to tackle online financial crimes. This initiative exemplifies the concept of Cooperative Federalism in law enforcement.

Measures Against Mule Accounts and SIM Cards

As part of the fraud prevention efforts, approximately 8.67 lakh mule accounts have been frozen. Additionally, around 7 lakh SIM cards and 1.4 lakh mobile devices have been blocked. These actions are essential in disrupting the operations of cybercriminals.

Reporting Mechanisms and Public Involvement

The Citizen Financial Cyber Frauds Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS) allows citizens to report cyber fraud easily. They can do this through the National Helpline number 1930 or via the NCRP. This system connects various stakeholders, including banks and law enforcement agencies, to ensure effective action against fraud.

I4C: Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.
CFMC: Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre.
NCRP: National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
MHA: Ministry of Home Affairs.
UPI: Unified Payments Interface.

The Role of the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal

The NCRP was launched on August 30, 2019, to facilitate reporting of various cybercrimes. The revamped portal allows citizens to report all forms of cybercrime, including sensitive cases like child pornography. It features monitoring dashboards and a chatbot named Vani-CyberDost for user assistance.

Future Directions in Cybercrime Prevention

The ongoing initiatives aim to strengthen the financial system against cyber threats. The integration of various stakeholders is crucial in creating a robust defence mechanism. Continuous updates to the suspect registry and reporting systems will enhance the nation’s capability to combat cybercrime effectively.

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