Shah delved into statistics revealing the I4C portal’s explosive growth: accessed over 23 crore times from early 2020 to late 2025, it handled 82 lakh complaints, converting about 1.84 lakh into FIRs with many successfully resolved. This data highlights the escalating challenge and the system’s responsiveness.

Long before the threats intensified, the Home Ministry rolled out a multi-pronged strategy featuring instant reporting tools, forensic networks nationwide, skill enhancement programs, innovation in tech, widespread awareness drives, and hygiene protocols for online spaces. ‘Coordination is key to building an impregnable defense,’ Shah asserted.

Since its inception in 2019, I4C has revolutionized coordination, erected vital cyber infrastructure, and cracked down on fraudsters effectively. Shah commended the CBI-I4C partnership, noting how diverse agencies contribute uniquely: police investigate, financial watchdogs monitor transactions, and judicial bodies ensure justice.

Reflecting on digital India’s meteoric rise, Shah shared how internet subscribers quadrupled to 100 crore, broadband exploded 16 times, 1GB data became 97% cheaper, UPI processed 181 billion transactions worth 233 trillion rupees in 2024—making India the global digital payments leader with 99% volume digital.

This gathering sought to decode the patterns and magnitude of cyber frauds in India, paving the way for proactive, unified strategies to safeguard the nation’s digital ecosystem.

In emotional Instagram posts, Sofik described the betrayer as someone they considered ‘like a brother,’ highlighting the depth of their misplaced trust. He explained that the individual had access to their phone passwords, which was then exploited to humiliate them. Dustu Sonali expressed her distress, stating she feels unable to leave her home due to the violation of her dignity and the impact on her life. The couple is determined to pursue legal action, potentially involving the accused’s family.

Amidst the controversy, Sofik has experienced an unexpected surge in followers, gaining tens of thousands of new fans who are sending messages of support. Sofik SK is known for his engaging dance and lip-sync reels on Palli Gram TV, boasting over half a million followers. Dustu Sonali, a self-proclaimed artist and creator with over 310,000 followers, frequently collaborates with Sofik. The internet’s reaction is largely one of solidarity, condemning the betrayal and violation of privacy, as the influencers seek justice and a return to normalcy.

Fraudsters use social media to befriend victims, pretending to be NRIs, and lure them with the promise of gifts. They then request money, claiming that the gifts are held up in customs. Cyber Dost has provided information on how these scams work and how individuals can protect themselves from cybercriminals. The primary tactics include sending friend requests on social media, offering gifts, and then requesting money under the guise of customs fees.

To avoid falling victim to this scam, individuals should be wary of sending money for customs charges. They should block and report any suspicious messages requesting money. If you encounter such a situation or suspect a scam, immediately call 1930 (the cybercrime helpline number) or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.

The accused, identified as Sanat Gorai, was arrested from the Raj State Muslim Basti in the Ghatshila police station area of the Purvi Singhbhum district of Jharkhand. He is a 12th-grade graduate. Gorai targeted people through online gaming, luring them into scams. A 14-year-old class six student from Dhanuwasand village, a victim of his fraud, died by suicide on September 15. Investigations confirmed the presence of the Free Fire Max game on the student’s mobile phone.

Operation HAECHI VI targeted seven types of cyber fraud, including voice phishing and romance scams. The targeted fraudulent activities encompassed voice phishing, romance scams, online sextortion, investment fraud, money laundering linked to illegal online gambling, business email compromise, and e-commerce fraud. Significant actions were taken in several countries. The Philippines saw investigations related to POGO activities. Macau, China, witnessed raids against gangs involved in fraud on mobile and online payment platforms. Brazil conducted operations to prevent electronic banking fraud. Portugal dismantled a gang stealing from social security funds, leading to the arrest of 45 suspects and the recovery of €228,000. Thailand prevented the theft of $6.6 million through business email scams. Malaysia seized dozens of laptops and SIM cards from scam gangs. A Korea-Dubai link saw the recovery and return of 6.6 billion KRW (approximately $3.91 million) through the I-GRIP system. Director Theos Badege, of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, highlighted the operation as a prime example of global cooperation.

Technical teams immediately took action and recovered the account, according to Eknath Shinde’s office. The account is now fully restored and functioning normally.

The hackers also ran a livestream on the Deputy Chief Minister’s account featuring images of Pakistan and Turkey. This incident occurred on the day India and Pakistan were scheduled to play the second match of the Asia Cup. An official stated that they immediately informed the cyber crime police. The team managing the Deputy CM’s X handle later recovered the account. The recovery process took approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

According to the office, the technical team quickly regained control of the account and restored its security. The account is now fully secure and operating normally. Officials clarified after recovering the account that no sensitive information was leaked from the Deputy CM’s account during the incident.

However, the hacking of the Deputy CM’s account exposes vulnerabilities in cyber security. The posting of Pakistani and Turkish flags on the account caused a commotion among his followers. Sources indicate that the Maharashtra Cyber Cell will now investigate the incident to identify the hackers. Hacking and cybercrime cases are rapidly increasing in India, causing the country to suffer losses of thousands of crores of rupees every year.