Mangaluru: Cyber fraud cases in the coastal region have reached alarming levels, with fraudsters siphoning off a staggering Rs 169.82 crore over the past four years. Despite efforts by law enforcement agencies, only Rs 10.60 crore has been recovered so far, highlighting the widening gap between cybercriminal activity and recovery mechanisms.
The data has raised serious concerns about the growing sophistication of cybercrime networks and the challenges faced by the police in keeping pace with rapidly evolving technologies.
Rising number of cases across years
The coastal belt, including Mangaluru, has emerged as one of the worst-affected regions in Karnataka after Bengaluru in terms of cybercrime cases. Year-wise data indicates a steady rise in incidents, although arrests have not kept pace.
In 2023, a total of 467 cyber fraud cases were registered, leading to the arrest of 83 individuals. In 2024, cases increased to 486, but arrests dropped to 67. The trend continued in 2025, with 485 cases reported and only 42 arrests made.
By February 2026, 60 cases have already been registered, but notably, no arrests have been made so far. This decline in arrests despite a high number of cases has raised concerns among authorities and the public alike.
Huge financial losses, minimal recovery
The financial impact of cyber fraud in the region has been severe. In 2023, victims lost Rs 17.96 crore, of which only Rs 1.65 crore was recovered. The situation worsened in 2024, with losses soaring to Rs 70.12 crore, while recovery stood at Rs 5.34 crore.
In 2025, the amount lost further increased to Rs 74.53 crore, with Rs 3.55 crore recovered. In 2026, up to February, Rs 7.19 crore has already been lost, but only Rs 5 lakh has been recovered.
These figures underline the difficulty in tracing and retrieving funds once they are transferred through complex digital channels used by cybercriminals.
Agents arrested, masterminds at large
Police investigations have revealed that most of those arrested so far are not the masterminds behind the scams but rather agents who work on a commission basis. These individuals often assist in facilitating transactions or providing mule accounts, making them easier to trace.
However, the main accused—those who design and execute the fraud schemes—remain largely untraced. This has made it difficult for law enforcement agencies to dismantle the core networks behind these crimes.
Cybercriminals leveraging advanced technology
One of the key reasons for the surge in cyber fraud cases is the increasing use of advanced technologies by criminals. Fraudsters are now using artificial intelligence (AI), fake mobile applications, phishing techniques, and other sophisticated tools to execute scams within minutes.
These methods allow criminals to target a large number of victims quickly while also masking their identities and locations, making detection and investigation more challenging.
Police lag in adopting modern systems
A growing concern is that while cybercriminals are rapidly adopting new technologies, the police department has struggled to keep up. Experts and observers point out that the lack of advanced technological tools and systems within the police force has contributed to the rise in such crimes.
There is an increasing demand for strengthening cybercrime units with better infrastructure, specialised training, and updated digital tools to effectively combat these evolving threats.
Need for stronger cybercrime response
The situation calls for urgent measures to bridge the technological gap between cybercriminals and law enforcement. Enhancing coordination between banks, digital platforms, and police agencies could also improve recovery rates.
Public awareness is equally important, as many scams exploit a lack of knowledge among users regarding online safety practices.
Conclusion
The sharp rise in cyber fraud cases and the massive financial losses in the coastal region underline the urgent need for a more robust and technologically equipped response. While arrests have been made, the failure to apprehend the masterminds and recover significant amounts remains a major challenge. Strengthening cyber policing and increasing public awareness will be key to tackling this growing menace effectively.