Cyber criminals in Odisha cause losses exceeding Rs 125 crore since 2021

Bhubaneswar, Dec 2: Cyber criminals have caused significant financial losses in Odisha, with over Rs 125 crore looted from victims in various incidents over the last three years, as reported to the state Assembly on Monday. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi provided these details in response to a question posed by a BJD MLA during the session.

According to the Chief Minister, a total of 6,368 cybercrime cases have been registered, leading to the arrest of 1,388 individuals involved in these activities. In 2021 alone, cyber fraud resulted in losses of Rs 40,39,70,514 across 2,037 registered cases, with authorities managing to refund Rs 27,56,138 to victims. The situation worsened in 2022, when fraudsters swindled Rs 37,28,96,982 from victims, with only Rs 97,30,582 returned.

The data indicates a disturbing trend in 2023, with reported fraud amounting to Rs 47,94,50,178 across 2,348 cases. Authorities managed to return Rs 1,52,59,965 to affected individuals. The arrest statistics reflect a growing effort to combat cybercrime, with 425 individuals apprehended in 2021, 442 in 2022, and a notable increase to 522 arrests in 2023.