Odisha Loses ₹222 Crore to Cyber Fraud in 16 Months, CM Confirms

Odisha Cyber Fraud Losses Cross ₹222 Crore in 16 Months, Says CM

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has confirmed a steep rise in digital crime, revealing that cybercriminals looted over ₹222.09 crore in just 16 months. His written response in the State Assembly underscores the growing vulnerability of citizens as online scams expand rapidly across districts.

Hundreds Arrested and Fraud Funds Frozen During Crackdown

Official data shows 3,486 cybercrime cases registered during the reporting period. Police action has led to the arrest of 727 individuals linked to fraudulent digital operations, including several members of organised cyber networks.

Investigators have frozen more than ₹6.74 crore across numerous bank accounts and managed to refund ₹61.36 lakh to victims. Authorities say their priority is dismantling deeper financial chains that enable large-scale online theft.

Digital Arrests Rise as Awareness Programs Intensify

Responding to questions raised by Pattangi MLA Rama Chandra Kadam, the Chief Minister stated that 69 “digital arrests” were made—cases where cybercriminals were tracked and apprehended through online surveillance tools.

Senior officials added that cybercrime units are conducting statewide awareness campaigns to help citizens recognise phishing attempts, fraudulent investment links, and impersonation scams.

Cybercrime Rate Doubles Compared to Pre-2024 Figures

The report indicates a dramatic escalation. From 2022 to early 2025, losses totalled approximately ₹125 crore. In contrast, the last 16 months alone witnessed nearly double that amount stolen.

Experts link this surge to increased digital transactions, growth in quick-loan scams, OTP theft, fake trading platforms, and sophisticated social engineering schemes spreading across mobile and internet channels.

Government Boosts Cyber Policing and Forensic Capacity

To contain the surge, the Crime Branch is enhancing district cyber units, investing in forensic tools, and coordinating with other states to trace interlinked fraud networks. Banks and telecom operators are also being roped in to block suspicious accounts and flag irregular digital patterns.

Plans are underway to expand cyber police stations statewide and integrate real-time monitoring systems for early fraud detection.

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