Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 4: Cyber fraudsters have siphoned off a staggering Rs 169.82 crore in various cybercrime cases reported across the coastal region over the past four years, while only Rs 10.60 crore has been recovered so far. Ironically, it has come to light that while cybercriminals are ahead in the use of technology, the police have lagged in adopting advanced systems, which has emerged as a major reason for the rise in such frauds. Except for Bengaluru, the highest number of cybercrime cases in the state are being reported from the coastal belt, including Mangaluru.

In 2023, as many as 467 cyber fraud cases were registered and 83 persons were arrested. In 2024, 486 cases were reported with 67 arrests made. In 2025, 485 cases were registered and 42 persons were arrested. By February 2026, 60 cases have been reported, with no arrests made so far. Those arrested to date are mostly agents working for cyber fraudsters for commission, while the main accused are yet to be traced.

At present, cybercriminals appear to be ahead of the police in terms of technological usage. They are carrying out frauds using new technologies and methods, including AI tools and fake applications, executing scams within moments. Meanwhile, there is a growing opinion that the police department has fallen behind in adopting technological advancements.

Year-wise data shows that in 2023, an amount of Rs 17,96,78,336 was lost to fraudsters, of which Rs 1,65,53,646 was recovered. In 2024, Rs 70,12,19,208 was swindled, with Rs 5,34,47,651 recovered. In 2025, Rs 74,53,85,725 was lost, and Rs 3,55,08,463 was recovered. In 2026, up to February, Rs 7,19,48,717 has been lost, while only Rs 5,00,000 has been recovered.