Cybercrime in Karnataka: Reported Cases Decline, Threats Intensify

Swift Summary

• Karnataka recorded 7,293 cybercrime cases by mid-2025, a decrease of about 2,000 compared to the same period in the previous two years.
• Bengaluru accounted for 73.4% of the state’s cybercrime cases.
• Despite fewer reported cases, investigators attribute this to changes in cybercrime methods rather than an actual decline in offences.
• Fraudsters are shifting from low-value scams like phishing and OTP frauds to complex operations like courier or investment scams that yield higher payouts with fewer crimes.
• Season-specific crimes related to tourism (fake tour packages or bookings) are on the rise,along with refined customary scams like email spoofing targeting companies and start-ups.
• A recent hacking attack on a cryptocurrency exchange caused losses of ₹356 crore and highlighted the growing expertise of cybercriminals.
• karnataka’s Cyber Command Unit has not gained traction due to budgetary constraints, leading experts and officials to call for greater government investment in combating cybercrime through technical training and awareness programs.

Indian Opinion Analysis
Karnataka’s apparent decline in cybercrime numbers suggests an ongoing evolution rather than an outright reduction of offences-a shift from high-frequency, low-impact crimes to fewer but more destructive activities targeting individuals and organizations alike. The concentration of over 70% of these incidents in Bengaluru reflects both its status as India’s tech hub and susceptibility due to digitization across industries.

There appears a clear need for strengthened public infrastructure dedicated to handling such challenges effectively: investment into investigative capabilities should focus on equipping personnel with advanced skills while also addressing resource gaps hindering institutions like the Cyber Command Unit (CCU). Given rising economic stakes-as demonstrated by a ₹356-crore loss-timely action could enhance prevention efforts without waiting for sophistication levels further escalation becoming challenging containing intensity

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