Over 59,000 Odisha People Victimized by Online Trading Scams in Six Years: CM Majhi

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Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently revealed statistics about online trading fraud in the state. According his remarks 59,000 individuals falling to such scams over the last six years. The Chief Minister highlighted the growing of cybercrime and the government’s efforts to combat it, when addressing the Assembly. 

An Increase in Cases of Online Fraud  

According to CM Majhi, from 2019 to November 2024, 769 instances of internet trade fraud were registered in Odisha. 59,437 persons were impacted by these trading frauds, with the bulk of occurrences occurring in the previous two years. 
2024 showed a sharp increase with 472 incidents affecting 40,270 victims, compared to 190 cases in 2023 where 18,994 people were defrauded. In answer to a question from Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati, CM Majhi provided these statistics, emphasising the growing complexity and scope of cybercrimes in the state. 

The Economic Offences Wing Acts 

The Odisha police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has been instrumental in combating internet trade fraud. Four cases involving hackers who allegedly scammed 18,804 persons were recorded by the EOW in 2023. The wing has reported three additional incidents this year, affecting 40,219 individuals. 
The state administration has taken aggressive measures to reduce such crimes, the chief minister said. In September 2023, the crime branch in Bhubaneswar formed a dedicated cybercrime team to address a variety of cybercrimes. 

Cutting Edge Cybercrime Unit 

A wide range of cybercrimes, like as identity theft, phishing, online banking fraud, hacking, and cyberstalking, can be investigated by the recently formed cybercrime unit in Bhubaneswar. The section also has specialised sub-divisions that concentrate on topics including child pornography, cyber tracking, and social media abuse. 
In addition to the Bhubaneswar unit, Odisha has eleven new cybercrime police stations. In 2021, three already-existing cyber police stations in Sambalpur, Rourkela, and Berhampur were strengthened. To improve law enforcement activities, cybercrime cells are operating in every district. 

Important Efforts to Combat Cybercrime 

The Odisha government has put in place a number of measures to counteract the growing wave of cybercrime, including: 

1. Cyber Police Stations: These stations, which were first established in 2004 under the State Crime Records Bureau and then relocated to the Crime Branch in Cuttack in 2006, deal with high-value crimes worth more than Rs 25 lakh. 
2. Cyber Help Desk (1930): A special hotline for reporting problems involving cybercrime. 
3. Specialised Units: These comprise a social media cell, a cyber monitoring and coordinating unit, a cyber forensic unit, and a monitoring unit for online abuse of women and children. 
4. Cooperation and Awareness: The government is working to increase public knowledge of cybercrime and motivate people to report incidences as soon as they happen. 

Obstacles to Come 

Despite advancements, difficulties still exist. CM Majhi said that the cyber police stations have been depending on CID staff because they do not have a designated sanctioned force. To improve these units' effectiveness, the state still keeps spending money on cutting-edge equipment, instruction, and supplies. 

A Request for Attention 

The Odisha government advises citizens to use cautious when trading or making financial transactions online due to the growing sophistication of internet frauds. Because cybercriminals frequently take advantage of ignorance, prevention and education are essential to reducing these crimes. 
Odisha hopes to improve its defences against cybercrime and guarantee the security of its digital ecosystem with the help of law enforcement's committed efforts and citizens' enthusiastic collaboration.