Pune’s Cybercrime Spikes: Pune witnessed an alarming rise in cybercrime in 2024, with financial losses reaching ₹6,007 crore across 1,504 reported cases. This staggering figure surpasses the combined losses of Mumbai, Thane, and Nagpur, making Pune the worst-affected city in Maharashtra for online fraud.(Pune’s Cybercrime Spikes)
Follow the Pune Updates channel on WhatsApp:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb2Z6498F2pHMwM9YA1S
During a recent Assembly session, data revealed that Pune’s cyber fraud-related losses were nearly five times higher than those in Mumbai, Thane, and Nagpur combined. The numbers from other cities are as follows: Mumbai: 4,849 cases reported, with financial damages totaling ₹888 crore. Thane: 680 cases, leading to a loss of ₹174 crore. Nagpur: 212 cases, with ₹63 crore lost. Together, these cities recorded 5,741 cases, with losses amounting to ₹1,125 crore—far lower than Pune’s losses.
A significant portion of Pune’s cybercrime-related financial loss stems from two large-scale Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud cases. One involved ₹5,000 crore, while another accounted for ₹561 crore. If these cases are excluded, Pune’s cyber fraud losses would amount to ₹446 crore—placing them below Mumbai’s figures. Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar stressed the importance of swift action in freezing fraudulent accounts to help victims recover their money. In 2024, the city saw a 776% increase in online scams compared to the previous year, demonstrating the growing threat of digital fraud.
To combat this crisis, the Maharashtra government has introduced specialized cyber police stations across the state, staffed with trained professionals. Pune has also established a ‘Centre of Excellence in Digital Forensics’ to support investigations into cyber fraud. Additionally, the Home Department is working on a semi-automated system to speed up case resolutions and improve efficiency in handling cybercrime cases.
Experts emphasize that staying informed is crucial in preventing online fraud. Authorities advise people to verify investment platforms, avoid sharing sensitive financial details with unverified sources, and be cautious of unsolicited messages or calls. With cyber threats on the rise, awareness and proactive measures can help minimize financial losses and protect individuals from falling victim to fraud.
Online Trading Scam: Pune Merchant Navy Engineer Loses ₹1.77 Crore
