Cybercrooks are no longer limiting their operations to Bengaluru but are now preying on customers in tier-II and tier-III cities across Karnataka. Data shared by home minister G Parameshwara in the ongoing assembly session revealed that in the first seven months of 2025, about 8,620 cases were reported across the state.
Bengaluru topped the list with 6,301 cases, followed by Bengaluru Rural district with 258, while Vijayapura, in third place, reported 250. Tumakuru stood fourth with 151 cases, and Bengaluru South, Chikkaballapura, and Udupi also recorded over 100 cases each this year, according to a TOI report.
Mysuru victims lose Rs 25 crore in 7 months
An officer said Mysuru, which typically sees an annual average of 250 cases, has recorded 98 cases in the past seven months, with victims losing about Rs 25 crore to online frauds. Last year, the city reported losses worth Rs 49 crore. Among this year’s victims were two senior citizens who together lost about Rs 2 crore from their bank accounts.
Convictions remain low
The home minister’s data highlights the poor rate of punishment. Of the 53,000 cybercrime cases reported in Karnataka since April 2023 — over a span of 28 months — only 70 offenders were convicted. The state records on average 22,000 cases every year. In 2025 so far, 8,600 have been reported in seven months, but police were able to address only around 8,000 complaints, or roughly 15% of the total.
More cybercrime stations, training and experts
To strengthen investigations, the government has set up 43 new cybercrime police stations and appointed officers of deputy superintendent of police rank as Station House Officers (SHOs). Specialised training programmes are being rolled out to sharpen investigative skills.
A new cyber investigation manual has also been developed to handle new types of online fraud swiftly. The government has further approved the appointment of 16 cyber technical experts — eight cyber security analysts and eight digital forensic analysts — on contract in Bengaluru. Of these, six forensic analysts and two cyber security analysts have been posted to the city police unit.
Investment and job frauds top the list
According to police, investment frauds are the most common, followed by job frauds, digital arrests, and fake KYC verification. Officials said bank customers who report online fraud immediately — within 24 hours — have seen partial recovery of lost money after police froze the receiver’s account.
Bengaluru topped the list with 6,301 cases, followed by Bengaluru Rural district with 258, while Vijayapura, in third place, reported 250. Tumakuru stood fourth with 151 cases, and Bengaluru South, Chikkaballapura, and Udupi also recorded over 100 cases each this year, according to a TOI report.
Mysuru victims lose Rs 25 crore in 7 months
An officer said Mysuru, which typically sees an annual average of 250 cases, has recorded 98 cases in the past seven months, with victims losing about Rs 25 crore to online frauds. Last year, the city reported losses worth Rs 49 crore. Among this year’s victims were two senior citizens who together lost about Rs 2 crore from their bank accounts.
Convictions remain low
The home minister’s data highlights the poor rate of punishment. Of the 53,000 cybercrime cases reported in Karnataka since April 2023 — over a span of 28 months — only 70 offenders were convicted. The state records on average 22,000 cases every year. In 2025 so far, 8,600 have been reported in seven months, but police were able to address only around 8,000 complaints, or roughly 15% of the total.
More cybercrime stations, training and experts
To strengthen investigations, the government has set up 43 new cybercrime police stations and appointed officers of deputy superintendent of police rank as Station House Officers (SHOs). Specialised training programmes are being rolled out to sharpen investigative skills.
A new cyber investigation manual has also been developed to handle new types of online fraud swiftly. The government has further approved the appointment of 16 cyber technical experts — eight cyber security analysts and eight digital forensic analysts — on contract in Bengaluru. Of these, six forensic analysts and two cyber security analysts have been posted to the city police unit.
Investment and job frauds top the list
According to police, investment frauds are the most common, followed by job frauds, digital arrests, and fake KYC verification. Officials said bank customers who report online fraud immediately — within 24 hours — have seen partial recovery of lost money after police froze the receiver’s account.
You may also like
Adani Green Energy's rating upgraded to AA with 'Stable' outlook over robust growth
I walked Europe's most famous city for 8 days - there's 1 thing every visitor needs to do
Inside the luxury sleeper train ride through beautiful country with temples and elephants
'I refused to give up my bus seat for elderly passenger – I deserve a seat too'
IMA Pune Welcomes GST Cut On Cancer & Essential Medicines; Urges Full GST Exemption On Anti-Cancer, Diabetic, Cardiac Drugs
