Case Explained: Cyber Crimes Drop 30% in Goa; 43% of Defrauded Amount Frozen in February – Legal Perspective

Panaji | A focused crackdown on cyber fraud appears to be yielding results in Goa, with authorities reporting a 30% decline in the total defrauded amount during January–February 2026 compared to the same period last year. In February alone, 43% of the money siphoned off by cyber criminals was successfully frozen, according to the state’s cyber crime cell.

To tighten the response mechanism, Goa Police has implemented the registration of ‘Zero e-FIRs’ in cyber fraud cases. Officials said that in all cases involving fraud amounts above ₹1, e-FIRs are being promptly registered, enabling quicker submission of restoration applications before courts. This procedural shift has significantly improved the chances of recovering victims’ money. So far in 2026, ₹3.6 crore has been frozen.

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According to officials, every complaint received through the 1930 cyber helpline triggers immediate analysis of the money trail. Cyber cell personnel coordinate with nodal officers of banks and financial intermediaries to halt suspicious transactions at the earliest stage. The cloud-based 1930 helpline centre is monitored by senior officers to ensure quality control and empathetic handling of victims.

Authorities noted that public awareness has improved considerably, with citizens reporting frauds promptly. Early reporting substantially increases the likelihood of freezing the siphoned funds before they are withdrawn or layered across multiple accounts.

Despite the decline in overall figures, certain fraud patterns remain prevalent. Investment scams promising high returns through WhatsApp groups continue to trap unsuspecting victims. Fraudsters also circulate fake vehicle challan links that compromise mobile devices upon clicking. The so-called “digital arrest” tactic—where criminals impersonate officials and threaten legal action—remains a favoured modus operandi.

Last week, the cyber crime cell arrested two accused in separate cases. Manojbhai Bhimbhai Vasava (40) was apprehended from Bharuch, Gujarat, in connection with a ₹7.7 lakh fraud. In that case, the accused allegedly sent a fraudulent bank message containing an APK file. After installation, the complainant’s phone was locked, and ₹7.7 lakh was debited unauthorisedly from the account.

In another case, Mohan Kalve was arrested from Hubballi for allegedly cheating a Miramar resident of ₹14.7 lakh. The accused reportedly impersonated officials from TRAI and the Supreme Court, falsely accused the complainant of Aadhaar misuse for SIM issuance, subjected her to a “digital arrest,” and extorted the money.

Officials emphasised that swift complaint registration, real-time technical tracking, and close coordination with banks are key to curbing cyber crime. Citizens have been urged to avoid clicking on suspicious links, downloading unknown APK files, or sharing personal and banking information with unverified callers.

The improving statistics suggest that a combination of stricter enforcement and heightened public awareness can significantly blunt the impact of cyber criminals in the state.