Gujarat Cybercrime Cases Cross 1 Lakh In 2026, Up From Just 392 In 2016

Gujarat has witnessed a sharp rise in cybercrime over the past decade, with reported incidents crossing the one-lakh mark in 2026, compared with just 362 registered cases in 2016, highlighting the growing threat of online fraud as digital transactions become part of everyday life.

From fake social media profiles and online blackmail to fraudulent banking messages and large-scale financial scams, cybercriminals have expanded their methods alongside the growing use of smartphones and internet-based services.

Experts attribute a major part of the surge to the rapid adoption of online transactions during the COVID-19 pandemic. As people increasingly turned to mobile banking, digital payments and online shopping while staying indoors, cybercriminals found new opportunities to target users, particularly those unfamiliar with digital financial services.

Cybercrime Complaints Rose Sharply After COVID-19

According to police sources, cybercrime reporting in Gujarat was relatively limited in the early years. In 2015–16, many local police personnel were reportedly sceptical when people approached them with complaints of online fraud. Victims often struggled to convince even people close to them that they had been cheated through digital channels.

In 2016, Gujarat recorded 362 cybercrime cases, while the annual figure remained below 800 until 2019.

The situation changed significantly after the COVID-19 outbreak. In 2020, the Gujarat Police registered 1,283 cybercrime cases and had already launched the 'Cyber Aashwast' project to tackle the emerging threat.

The number of reported incidents increased sharply in the following years, with 18,159 incidents in 2021 and more than 82,000 in 2022. The figures continued to climb, crossing 1.37 lakh in 2023 and reaching nearly 1.68 lakh in 2024.

From Online Banking Fraud To Social Media Blackmail

The widespread use of mobile phones for banking transactions, online shopping and digital payments has created more opportunities for cybercriminals.

The growing popularity of platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp has also been accompanied by crimes involving fake profiles, online blackmail and stalking of women's social media accounts.

Even people with limited experience of online and mobile banking continue to fall prey to fraudulent calls, messages and links. Police sources say cybercriminals frequently change their tactics, making it difficult for users to identify suspicious communication.

Chinese Fraud Networks Allegedly Target Indian Youth

Over the past four years, international cyber-fraud networks allegedly involving Chinese operators have expanded their activities in countries including Russia.

According to the account provided, young Indian men and women have been lured abroad with promises of employment, held captive and forced to make fraudulent calls and send deceptive messages.

The growing international reach of such operations has made cybercrime increasingly difficult to track. Fraudsters use different identities and communication methods, leaving users uncertain about the authenticity of messages and calls they receive.

Gujarat Cybercrime Incidents: Year-Wise Figures

The following figures, attributed to incidents reported on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, show the sharp increase in cybercrime reports in Gujarat over the past decade.

The figures indicate that cybercrime reporting has grown substantially since the pandemic. However, the number of incidents reported on the portal should not be confused with the number of cases formally registered by the police. Only a portion of reported incidents are officially registered as criminal cases.

With online fraud becoming increasingly sophisticated, public awareness remains a crucial line of defence. Citizens are advised to remain cautious while responding to unknown calls and messages, clicking links or sharing banking details and one-time passwords.