There is a pressing need for increased public education on best practices for online safety
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In recent months, the cybercrime division of Guwahati has been prompt in recovering money duped through internet fraud. However, the achievement remains incomplete as the criminals responsible for these acts continue to evade justice. Despite the efforts of the Assam Police, significant challenges persist in effectively combating cybercrime in the state.
The cybercrime scenario in Assam is predominantly dominated by financial fraud and social networking scams. Every day, the Guwahati cybercrime division registers approximately 200-300 cases, while the emergency helpline 1930 receives around 400-500 reports daily. The division has succeeded in recovering over Rs. 1 crore for victims, yet the underlying criminal networks remain intact as perpetrators stay out of reach.
The online scams in Guwahati and Assam are often orchestrated by criminals from other states such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai, West Bengal, and southern Indian states. These perpetrators are adept at staying ahead of law enforcement, making it difficult to bring them to justice. The introduction of schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana inadvertently provided fertile ground for cybercriminals. Under this scheme, private banks, in their rush to meet targets, employed agents to open bank accounts for marginalised individuals who had little to no money. Criminals exploited these accounts, known as "mule accounts," by acquiring credentials from account holders in exchange for small sums. These accounts were used to transfer stolen money, often through a series of transactions to obfuscate the trail.
When police trace these transactions, they often end up apprehending innocent account holders who are unaware of the fraudulent activities linked to their accounts. As a result, investigations frequently reach dead ends. Another method employed by cybercriminals involves using Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) to make untraceable calls, further complicating efforts to track them down.
An official from the cybercrime department explained the difficulties faced: "We have been successful in recovering the money, but it is challenging to nab the criminals as they are mostly from different states. Although we trace the origin, it is not feasible to travel and initiate search operations due to several setbacks."
The Guwahati cybercrime unit faces severe limitations in terms of infrastructure and manpower. The department is critically understaffed and lacks the necessary financial resources to conduct comprehensive operations. This situation has been likened to "fighting with sticks and stones," highlighting the disparity between the department's capabilities and the sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals. Government negligence is blamed for the department's shortcomings, as inadequate funding and support have severely undermined its ability to function effectively.
Social media-related crimes pose additional challenges. In March 2023, a fake account impersonating Assam Minister Ashok Singhal was reported. The account was used to solicit money from unsuspecting individuals, damaging the minister's reputation and causing confusion among his followers. Despite the prompt action taken to deactivate the account, no arrests were made, highlighting the difficulties in tracing the perpetrators behind such scams. The same happened in the month of July 2024.
Similarly, in September 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Twitter account was hacked. The hackers sent out tweets soliciting donations to a fake COVID-19 relief fund. Although the tweets were quickly deleted and the account was secured, the incident underscored the vulnerabilities in social media platforms and the audacity of cybercriminals. The attackers were not apprehended, reflecting the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down individuals behind such sophisticated attacks.
According to the official, "Social media has been out of regulatory powers. The countries that own different platforms do not provide information promptly. Although they deactivate the accounts when sought for help, the process is very tedious."
In cases of nudity or deep fakes, authorities forward detailed requests to social media companies, but these processes are often time-consuming and cumbersome. The absence of a dedicated task force to tackle cybercrimes nationwide exacerbates the issue. Unlike other countries, India lacks a special investigation department or task force to specifically handle such cases, resulting in delayed justice and continued victimisation.
The official further emphasised the need for improved communication and coordination at a national level: "There should be a similar communication chain like the CID, CBI, and Interpol when crimes are associated with any entity abroad. But, in terms of cybercrime, the communication has always been a hurdle. Certain protocols of the applications leave us with no options. This needs to be updated, so as to provide better justice."
However, there are instances where criminals are nabbed for the crimes over time. Public awareness is another critical aspect. Despite repeated incidents, many people remain casual about cybersecurity, making them vulnerable to scams. There is a pressing need for increased public education on best practices for online safety.
The current situation in Guwahati underscores a broader issue facing India as a whole. Without a robust task force and coordinated efforts across states, the nation will continue to lag in effectively combating cybercrime. The government's negligence in addressing the needs of cybercrime divisions has hampered their ability to protect citizens.
If high-profile figures like ministers can be targeted without consequences, the plight of ordinary citizens remains a concern. It is imperative for the government to prioritise the establishment of a specialised cybercrime task force, enhance inter-state coordination, and provide adequate resources to law enforcement agencies. Only then can the tide be turned against cybercriminals, ensuring justice and security for all.
In the absence of decisive action, the capabilities of the Guwahati cybercrime division will remain confined, leaving both high-profile figures and common citizens vulnerable to the growing menace of cybercrime.