Understanding the Rise of Cybercrime Hubs in India

Cybercrime Hubs in India: Deeg, Jamtara, and Nuh

In recent times, Deeg, a newly formed district in Rajasthan, has gained infamy as a significant cybercrime center, overtaking other regions to become the “cybercrime capital of India.” This transformation drew considerable attention due to the alarming number of fraud cases reported in early 2024.

Deeg's Rise in Cybercrime

Deeg's emergence as a cybercrime hub has outpaced several well-known areas, such as:

• Jamtara and Deoghar (Jharkhand)
• Nawada and Nalanda (Bihar)
• Nuh (Haryana)
• Alwar (Rajasthan)

Notorious Jamtara

Jamtara in Jharkhand is infamous for its phishing and vishing scams, which have inspired a popular web series. This area has long been regarded as one of the earliest and most active cybercrime hotspots in India.

Nuh's Criminal Activities

Nuh, situated in the Mewat region covering parts of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, has a reputation for various criminal activities, including cybercrime. Its closeness to Delhi facilitates a convenient base for fraudulent operations.

Severity of Cybercrime in Deeg

By February 2024, Deeg was responsible for 19% of all cyber fraud cases reported nationwide, raising significant concerns among law enforcement agencies.

Types of Cybercrimes

The prevalent types of cybercrimes in these regions include:

• Phishing and vishing scams
• Sextortion
• Fake offers of illegal arms
• Fraudulent housing rentals
• Money-for-impregnation schemes
• ATM card-swapping
• “Mule accounts” for laundering stolen funds

Government Initiatives

In response to the rising cybercrime, “Operation Anti Virus” was initiated in Deeg under the leadership of Inspector General Rahul Prakash. Similar initiatives have been implemented in Jamtara and Nuh by their respective law enforcement agencies.

Interconnectedness of Cybercrime Hubs

There is evidence of collaboration between cybercriminals in Deeg, Jamtara, and Nuh. Criminals from these areas often share techniques and resources, forming a network of fraudulent activity.

Outcomes of the Crackdown

The crackdown in Deeg under Operation Anti Virus yielded notable results:

• Fraudulent calls decreased from 6,530 in February to 1,501 by August.
• 189 FIRs were registered, and 743 arrests were made.
• Rs 49.48 lakh in cash was recovered.
• 21,070 SIM cards were blocked, and 17,935 IMEI numbers were blacklisted.

Evolution of Cybercrime

These regions have seen a shift from traditional crimes, such as highway robberies, to sophisticated cybercrime. Criminals have rapidly adapted to technological advancements, leveraging online platforms for large-scale fraud.

Challenges for Law Enforcement

Law enforcement agencies face several challenges in combating cybercrime, including:

• Legal loopholes that allow cybercriminals to obtain bail easily.
• Difficulty in pursuing interstate cybercrime cases.
• Involvement of minors in cyber fraud.
• Rapid adaptation of criminals to new fraud methods.
• Collaboration and training among various cybercrime hubs.

Steps to Mitigate Cybercrime

To reduce relapse rates, law enforcement agencies are:

• Filing comprehensive reports to persuade judges of the seriousness of the crimes.
• Advocating for longer sentences and tougher penalties.
• Demolishing properties acquired with illegal earnings.
• Confiscating assets linked to fraudulent activities.

Applying the Deeg Model

According to IG Rahul Prakash, the successful model implemented in Deeg could be replicated in other hotspots like Jamtara and Nuh to address similar issues effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What makes Deeg the cybercrime capital of India?
Answer: Deeg has become known as the cybercrime capital of India due to a significant rise in reported fraud cases, accounting for 19% of the national total by February 2024.

Q2. What types of scams are common in Jamtara?
Answer: Jamtara is notorious for phishing and vishing scams, which often involve fraudulent calls aimed at stealing personal information from unsuspecting victims.

Q3. How are cybercriminals in these regions connected?
Answer: Cybercriminals in Deeg, Jamtara, and Nuh often collaborate, sharing techniques and resources to enhance their fraudulent operations, creating a network of crime.