maharashtra-opens-rs-800-crore-cybercrime-command-centre

Maharashtra has inaugurated an ₹800-crore cybercrime command and control centre in Navi Mumbai, aimed at safeguarding the state’s 130 million residents from digital fraud.

 

The facility, constructed by L&T Technology Services (LTTS) for the Maharashtra State Cyber Department, will centralise the resolution of cybercrime complaints from 50 districts.

 

State Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Phadnavis inaugurated the centre, which will employ over 150 cybercrime, forensics, and technology experts. A helpline number, 14407, will be operational from October 15 for citizens and businesses to report their grievances.

 

Yashasvi Yadav, Special Inspector General of Police for the Maharashtra Cyber Department, described the centre as the largest of its kind, designed to integrate various resources into a comprehensive technology solution to enhance response times to cybercrime incidents.

 

“We have invested heavily in 50 global forensic technologies, 17 threat intelligence tools, and 13 cybersecurity tools that leverage AI and blockchain,” Yadav stated. “Our capabilities include addressing issues such as malware analysis, deepfake detection, cryptocurrency fraud, banking scams, and eSIM swaps.”

 

Yadav also highlighted the growing severity of cybercrime, which he said has evolved into an organised syndicate. He noted that global revenues from cybercrime are estimated at $6 trillion annually, surpassing India’s entire economy. He mentioned an incident where a helicopter was purchased two years ago in Jamtara, known as a cybercrime hotspot in India.

 

Abhishek Sinha, Executive Director at LTTS, emphasised the importance of technology in combating cybercrime and revealed that the company is in discussions with other state governments to replicate this model.

 

The Maharashtra Cyber Department is also focusing on raising awareness about modern cyber threats, such as digital arrest and virtual kidnapping. “Cybercrime knows no boundaries, and I encourage every state cybersecurity department to draw inspiration from this initiative,” Yadav added.

 

The project was initially approved by the Maharashtra Assembly in 2018, with a proposed investment of ₹2,000 crore. However, it gained momentum only in March 2024 when the tender was awarded to LTTS.