India Cybercrime Crackdown: 12 Lakh SIM Cards Cancelled, Over 20,000 Arrested: Amit Shah

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

12 lakh SIM cards cancelled and over 3 lakh mobile IMEI numbers blocked till December 2025.
20,853 accused arrested as part of a nationwide cybercrime crackdown.
Centre adopts a multi-dimensional strategy involving CBI, I4C, banks and tech ministries.

NEW DELHI:India’s cybercrime crackdown has intensified significantly, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah announcing that the Centre has cancelled 12 lakh SIM cards, blocked IMEI numbers of more than 3 lakh mobile phones, and arrested 20,853 accused in cybercrime cases till December 2025. Shah said the decisive action was part of a coordinated national effort to dismantle organised cyber fraud networks before they escalate into a larger security threat.

He was addressing the National Conference on “Tackling Cyber-Enabled Frauds and Dismantling the Ecosystem”, organised by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).

Multi-Agency Coordination at the Core of Cybercrime Response

Shah emphasised that combating cybercrime requires seamless coordination across institutions. He said agencies including I4C, State Police forces, the CBI, the National Investigation Agency, Enforcement Directorate, Department of Telecommunications, banks, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Reserve Bank of India and the judiciary are working together with clearly defined roles.

According to the Home Minister, the initiative by CBI and I4C is particularly significant as it integrates multiple departments and strengthens on-ground implementation of anti-cybercrime measures.

Digital India’s Scale Brings New Security Challenges

Highlighting India’s digital transformation over the past 11 years under the Digital India initiative, Shah said the number of internet users has grown from 250 million to over one billion. Broadband connections have increased nearly 16 times, while the cost of one gigabyte of data has fallen by 97 per cent, dramatically expanding access.

He pointed to BharatNet as a landmark achievement, noting that connectivity has expanded from just 546 village panchayats 11 years ago to over two lakh today, linking governance from Parliament to Panchayats.

Shah also cited the explosive growth of digital payments, stating that India recorded more than 181 billion UPI transactions worth over ₹233 trillion in 2024 alone.

Cybercrime Now Organised and Institutionalised: Shah

Warning of evolving threats, Shah said cybercrime has shifted from being individual-driven to becoming institutionalised, with criminal networks using advanced technologies to exploit vulnerabilities. He stressed that without timely intervention, cyber fraud could have turned into a national crisis.

The Centre’s strategy, he said, rests on key pillars:

Real-time cybercrime reporting
Strong digital forensic networks
Capacity building and R&D
Cyber awareness and hygiene

He added that agencies must work simultaneously shutting down fraudulent call centres, improving response time on the 1930 helpline, enhancing bank–I4C coordination and strengthening public awareness.

Focus on Evidence, Global Cybercrime and New Institutions

Shah highlighted the crucial role of the CBI and NIA in tackling cybercrimes originating outside India. He noted that weak chain-of-custody for digital evidence remains a major hurdle in securing convictions.

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During the event, the Home Minister presided over the investiture ceremony of CBI officers, inaugurated the CBI’s new Cybercrime Branch, and launched the State Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (S4C) dashboard of I4C. Senior officials, including the Union Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau and Director of the CBI, were present.

The Centre, Shah concluded, remains committed to a comprehensive and coordinated response to safeguard India’s rapidly expanding digital economy from cyber threats.