Gujarat Leads India in Combating Cyber Fraud with New Account Freeze Policy

Gandhinagar, August 23 – In a groundbreaking move, Gujarat has set a benchmark for the nation by implementing a robust policy to manage the freezing and unfreezing of bank accounts involved in cyber fraud cases. This initiative has positioned Gujarat as a model state in the fight against cybercrime, especially targeting middle-class families who are often the hardest hit.

During the recent monsoon session of the Gujarat Assembly, Home State Minister Harsh Sanghvi revealed that in 2024 alone, cybercriminals defrauded people of Rs 85.24 crore, out of which the police have successfully recovered Rs 66.15 crore. Efforts continue to retrieve the remaining amount with the goal of achieving a 100% recovery rate.

The new policy marks a significant shift from previous practices where entire accounts were frozen, which sometimes penalized innocent victims rather than just the perpetrators. Now, only the amount involved in the fraud will be frozen, ensuring that regular account activities can continue without unnecessary disruption. This change was prompted by delays in unfreezing accounts due to technical issues with the NCCRP portal, which struggled to generate reports detailing disputed amounts in frozen accounts.

The decision to revise the policy has provided immense relief to those who inadvertently fell victim to cyber scams. By only freezing funds directly linked to the fraudulent activity, the government aims to protect citizens’ financial stability while effectively targeting and penalizing cyber fraudsters.

This initiative not only enhances the effectiveness of cybercrime management in Gujarat but also serves as a commendable model for other states grappling with similar challenges in the digital age.