BELAGAVI: Karnataka residents have lost a staggering ₹5,474 crore to cyberfraud over the past three years, with ₹2,000 crore lost in 2025 alone, Home Minister G. Parameshwara informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. This translates to an average loss of over ₹6 crore every day, while recoveries stand at only about ₹60 lakh a day.
So far, authorities have been able to recover ₹627 crore from the total amount lost.
Replying to a question from BJP MLA S. Manjunatha of Sakleshpur, Parameshwara said incidents of cybercrime have been rising sharply. “In the last four years, around 52,000 cyberfraud cases have been reported in Karnataka, and the numbers continue to increase,” he said.
The minister attributed the surge in cybercrime to several factors, including the easy availability of smartphones and internet-enabled devices, low levels of digital literacy, excessive use of social media, greed for quick financial gains, and the misuse of advanced technologies.
Outlining the state’s efforts to tackle the menace, Parameshwara referred to amendments made to the police laws. “The All India Gaming Federation secured a stay on the amendment from the court, and the matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court. The case is listed for hearing on December 19,” he noted.
Providing year-wise details, the minister said more than 22,000 cyberfraud cases were registered in 2023, resulting in losses of ₹873 crore, of which ₹177 crore was recovered. In 2024, about 22,400 cases led to losses exceeding ₹2,500 crore, with recoveries of over ₹300 crore. In 2025, following government measures, the number of cases has declined to around 13,000, but losses have still crossed ₹2,000 crore, with recoveries of ₹125 crore so far.
Parameshwara stressed that Karnataka is at the forefront of the fight against cybercrime. “Karnataka was the first state in the country to establish a dedicated cybercrime vertical headed by a DGP. A major battle is being fought against cyberfraud, and sustained efforts are underway to reduce the number of cases,” he said.
He also pointed to the rapid growth of digital payments and internet usage as major contributors to cyber losses. “The widespread use of electronic gadgets with internet connectivity and the fast expansion of digital transactions have significantly increased vulnerability to cybercrime,” the minister said, adding that Bengaluru alone accounted for losses of over ₹1,500 crore this year up to November 15.
Raising concerns over online betting, Manjunatha urged the government to enact a special law. Parameshwara responded that the Karnataka Police Act had already been amended, but gaming companies had challenged it in court. He added that even a recent Central government proposal to regulate online gaming is facing legal hurdles.
