In a strong push against rising digital fraud, the Central government has cancelled 12 lakh SIM cards and blocked over 3 lakh IMEI numbers linked to mobile devices used in cyber offences.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah shared the figures while addressing the National Conference on “Tackling Cyber-Enabled Frauds and Dismantling the Ecosystem,” organised by the CBI and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). He said 20,853 accused individuals have been arrested in cybercrime cases up to December 2025.
The cancellation of SIM cards and blocking of IMEI numbers aim to cut off communication channels commonly used by fraud networks. Shah said these steps are part of a coordinated nationwide effort to prevent and respond effectively to cybercrime.
He stressed that combating organised cybercrime requires strong coordination among multiple agencies. Institutions involved include I4C, State Police, CBI, NIA, ED, the Department of Telecommunications, the banking sector, MeitY, RBI and the judiciary. Each agency has defined roles, and seamless cooperation is essential, especially in cases that span states and international borders.
Shah described the initiative by the CBI and I4C as “extremely significant,” noting that it strengthens implementation and helps dismantle the larger ecosystem supporting cybercrime. He also highlighted the role of CBI and NIA in handling cybercrimes originating outside India. Maintaining the chain of custody of digital evidence, he said, remains a major challenge in securing convictions.
Referring to India’s digital growth over the past 11 years under Digital India, Shah said internet users have increased from 250 million to over 1 billion. Broadband connections have grown nearly 16 times, crossing 1 billion. The cost of 1 GB data has fallen by 97 per cent. BharatNet connectivity has expanded from 546 village panchayats to over 2 lakh.
In 2024, India recorded over 181 billion UPI transactions worth more than Rs 233 trillion. Shah warned that cybercrime has become institutionalised, with criminals using advanced technologies.
He said the Centre’s strategy includes real-time reporting, stronger forensic networks, capacity building, R&D, cyber awareness and cyber hygiene. He urged agencies to act together, improve the 1930 helpline, identify fraudulent call centres and strengthen coordination with banks and I4C.
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