Cybercrime Refund Mela 3.0: Visakhapatnam Police Return ₹6.02 Crore to 310 Cyber Fraud Victims
Visakhapatnam Police refunded ₹6.02 crore to 310 cyber fraud victims through Cybercrime Refund Mela 3.0. Learn how Andhra Pradesh Police recovered stolen money, strengthened cybercrime investigations, and enhanced victim protection.
Cybercrime Refund Mela 3.0: Visakhapatnam Police Returns ₹6.0
Crore to 310 Cyber Fraud Victims
Cyber fraud victims in Visakhapatnam received significant relief as the City Police Commissionerate returned more than ₹6.02 crore to 310 victims through the Cybercrime Refund Mela 3.0. The refund cheques were distributed by Home Minister V. Anitha, reaffirming the government's commitment to protecting citizens from online financial fraud.
Speaking at the event, Home Minister V. Anitha stated that cybercrime cases have increased considerably since the COVID-19 pandemic due to the rapid adoption of digital transactions and online services. She emphasized that the Andhra Pradesh Government is strengthening Cyber Crime Police Stations with advanced technology and modern investigative tools to combat evolving cyber threats. She also announced that dedicated Cyber Crime Police Stations are being established in every district across the state.
The Home Minister noted that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting educated and technologically aware individuals, making cyber awareness and prompt reporting more important than ever. She highlighted that the successful recovery and refund of nearly ₹6 crore demonstrates the government's proactive approach toward safeguarding citizens from financial cybercrime.
Commissioner of Police Shankabrata Bagchi explained that the recovery process involved close coordination with banks, payment gateways, financial institutions, and the judiciary. By freezing fraudulent transactions at an early stage and following legal procedures, the police were able to recover substantial amounts and return them to victims.
According to the Commissioner, the Visakhapatnam City Police have refunded approximately ₹28.49 crore to 1,550 cybercrime victims across the last three editions of the Cybercrime Refund Mela, reflecting the effectiveness of coordinated cybercrime investigation and financial recovery mechanisms.
Cybercrime Refund Statistics
| Category | Figures |
|---|---|
| Refund Amount (Mela 3.0) | ₹6.02 Crore |
| Victims Benefited | 310 |
| Total Refund (Last 3 Melas) | ₹28.49 Crore |
| Total Victims (Last 3 Melas) | 1,550 |
Key Highlights
- ₹6.02 crore refunded to 310 cyber fraud victims.
- Refunds distributed during Cybercrime Refund Mela 3.0 in Visakhapatnam.
- Cybercrime incidents have risen significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Cyber Crime Police Stations are being upgraded with advanced technology.
- Dedicated Cyber Crime Police Stations are being established across every district.
- Police coordinated with banks, payment gateways, financial institutions, and the judiciary to freeze fraudulent transactions and recover stolen funds.
- Over the last three Cybercrime Refund Melas, ₹28.49 crore has been returned to 1,550 victims.
Conclusion
The Cybercrime Refund Mela 3.0 demonstrates the growing effectiveness of coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and the judiciary in combating cyber fraud. Beyond providing financial relief to victims, the initiative reinforces public confidence in the cybercrime response system while highlighting the importance of timely reporting, digital awareness, and continuous technological upgrades in law enforcement.
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