India, May 7 -- The overall cybercrime count in 2024 was 404, similar to the number recorded a year before, as per data made available by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). However, the intrinsic trends varied, with the year marking a steep increase in cases of digital arrests, a new type of cyberfraud, wherein victims are coerced into transferring their life savings under the threat of arrest and long-term incarceration.

Police officers aware of the matter said that while the overall cybercrime count fell from 407 recorded in 2023, this may not be indicative of the ground reality, due to low public awareness or lack of knowledge about new frauds.

A Delhi Police spokesperson said, "We all file cases that are reported to us. Also,...