Kolkata Police Expands Cyber Crime Wing with Seven Specialized Units to Combat Rising Digital Fraud

In response to the sharp increase in cyber fraud cases, Kolkata Police has announced the creation of seven specialized sections under its Cyber Crime Wing. The new structure includes divisions such as Organised Cyber Crime, Cyber Fraud Recovery, Cyber Forensic Laboratory, and Social Media Monitoring Cell. The initiative aims to strengthen digital crime investigation, victim fund recovery during the ‘Golden Hour,’ cross-border coordination, and public cyber awareness campaigns. With cyber fraud networks reportedly operating from countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, and Nepal, the move reflects a strategic and technology-driven policing approach to tackle organised and international cyber threats.

Cyber News Feb 19, 2026 0 3 Add to Reading List

Kolkata Police Expands Cyber Crime Wing with Seven Specialized Units to Combat Rising Digital Fraud

Kolkata Police Strengthens Cyber Crime Wing with Seven Specialized Sections

In response to the rapid rise in cyber fraud cases, Kolkata Police has undertaken a major structural reform by establishing seven new specialized sections under its Cyber Crime Wing. The initiative, which has received approval from the state secretariat, reflects a strategic and technology-driven approach to combating increasingly sophisticated cyber threats in the city.

This move signals a shift from a reactive policing model to a more proactive, organized, and intelligence-based framework aimed at tackling digital crimes at multiple levels.

Background: Rising Threat of Organised Cyber Crime

Cyber fraud in Kolkata has evolved beyond isolated incidents into a well-coordinated, organized criminal ecosystem. Fraudsters are using:

Fake identities and forged documents
Illegal SIM card procurement and smuggling
Fraudulent call centres
Fake investment schemes
So-called “digital arrest” scams

These crimes often involve large-scale financial theft, targeting unsuspecting citizens through digital platforms. Recognizing the complexity and cross-border nature of such crimes, the police administration has expanded its operational capacity.

Structure of the Newly Formed Cyber Sections

The newly created sections are designed to address different dimensions of cyber crime. Each section is staffed with Inspector-level officers, Sub-Inspectors, and supporting personnel, ensuring operational strength.

1. Organised Cyber Crime Section

Focuses on monitoring structured cyber fraud networks
Tracks illegal SIM circulation and fake call centres
Currently staffed with four Inspectors

2. Cyber Security and Cyber Safety Section

Conducts public awareness campaigns
Promotes online safety education
Works to prevent digital exploitation

3. Cyber Fraud Recovery Section

Operates during the critical “Golden Hour”
Attempts to freeze and recover defrauded funds
Enhances victim response efficiency

4. Cyber Forensic Laboratory

Extracts and analyzes digital evidence
Examines mobile phones, laptops, and storage devices
Supports prosecution with technical findings

5. Cyber Crime Coordination and Support Section

Coordinates investigations across jurisdictions
Tracks international networks operating from countries such as:
- Cambodia
- Myanmar
- Nepal
May seek assistance from international agencies like Interpol

6. Social Media Monitoring Cell

Monitors online platforms
Prevents spread of misinformation and harmful content
Identifies criminal misuse of social media

7. Cyber Crime Police Station (Integrated Unit)

Existing cyber police station integrated within the new framework for streamlined coordination.

Operational Deployment Overview

Below is a structured representation of the new cyber crime framework:

Section Name	Primary Function	Staffing Structure	Strategic Objective
Organised Cyber Crime	Monitor organised fraud networks	4 Inspectors + team	Disrupt structured cyber gangs
Cyber Security & Safety	Awareness campaigns	2 Inspectors + team	Preventive education
Cyber Fraud Recovery	Fund recovery during Golden Hour	2 Inspectors + team	Financial damage control
Cyber Forensic Lab	Digital evidence analysis	Technical experts	Strengthen investigations
Coordination & Support	Interstate & international tracking	2 Inspectors + team	Cross-border collaboration
Social Media Monitoring	Monitor online misuse	2 Inspectors + team	Control misinformation

Strategic Significance of the Initiative

This structural expansion demonstrates several key developments:

Institutional Specialization

Instead of handling all cyber cases under a single umbrella, tasks are now divided into specialized operational units, improving efficiency.

International Collaboration Focus

The inclusion of coordination mechanisms acknowledges that cyber fraud networks operate beyond national borders.

Victim-Centric Approach

The introduction of a Cyber Fraud Recovery Section shows emphasis on minimizing financial loss, not just arresting criminals.

Technology-Driven Policing

The Cyber Forensic Laboratory indicates a growing reliance on digital evidence and data analytics.

Critical Observations

While the initiative is commendable, certain aspects remain unclear:

No statistical data on the increase in cyber crime was provided.
The budget allocation and timeline for implementation were not specified.
Details regarding public helpline effectiveness were not mentioned.

However, structurally, the model appears comprehensive and future-oriented.

Conclusion

The expansion of the Cyber Crime Wing by Kolkata Police represents a forward-looking administrative reform aimed at tackling the complex and organized nature of modern cyber fraud. By integrating investigation, prevention, forensic analysis, recovery mechanisms, and international coordination, the department is positioning itself to respond more effectively to digital threats.

If implemented with adequate resources and sustained monitoring, this initiative could significantly strengthen cyber law enforcement capabilities and enhance public trust in digital security systems.