India's Cybercrime Complaints Surge, But FIR Conversions Remain Alarmingly Low
97% Cyber Crime Complaints Don’t Become FIRs, Centre Flags Gap As Cases Explode | Exclusive
News 18
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The Indian government has revealed that only 1-3% of cybercrime complaints are converted into First Information Reports (FIRs), despite nearly 30 lakh complaints reported annually. This gap highlights significant issues in law enforcement and justice delivery as digital crimes continue to rise dramatically.
- 01Only 1-3% of cybercrime complaints in India become FIRs.
- 02Cybercrime complaints have surged to nearly 30 lakh annually.
- 03FIR conversion rates have declined from 2.5% in 2021 to a provisional 1.4% in 2025.
- 04The Indian government is urging states to improve FIR conversion rates.
- 05The cybercrime helpline received 3.24 crore calls in 2025, indicating a crisis.
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The Indian Union Government has highlighted a critical issue in the handling of cybercrime complaints, revealing that only 1-3% of these complaints are converted into First Information Reports (FIRs). This stark statistic comes as complaints logged on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) have surged, nearing 30 lakh annually. Despite the significant increase in reported cases, the conversion rate into formal police cases remains alarmingly low, with only 2.5% of complaints resulting in FIRs in 2021, a figure that dropped to a provisional 1.4% in 2025. In response to this growing crisis, the Centre has called on state governments to enhance their enforcement mechanisms and improve the FIR conversion process. A key recommendation includes the implementation of an e-Zero FIR system, allowing victims to file FIRs online without jurisdictional delays, which is particularly important for cyber fraud cases exceeding ₹10 lakh (approximately $12,000 USD). The pressure on India's cybercrime helpline, which received 3.24 crore calls in 2025, further exemplifies the urgency of addressing this issue.
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The low conversion rate of cybercrime complaints into FIRs means that many victims may not receive justice or support, leading to a lack of trust in the legal system.
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