Cybercrime investigations across India have uncovered the sophisticated networks powering online fraud, from fake police officers and malicious mobile apps to mule bank accounts and ghost SIM cards. Recent cases from Gurugram, Chandigarh, Varanasi, Mumbai and Delhi reveal how cybercriminals exploit technology, identity theft and social engineering to target unsuspecting victims.

The incidents highlight that modern cyber fraud extends far beyond phishing messages, relying on organised criminal networks that enable scams worth crores of rupees.

Delhi man arrested for impersonating Himachal Pradesh SP

In Gurugram, police arrested a Delhi resident for allegedly impersonating a senior police officer from Himachal Pradesh in an attempt to influence local authorities.

According to investigators, the accused identified himself as Superintendent of Police Chandan Singh and contacted a Gurugram police station, seeking restoration of electricity to his wife's shop located in Mega Mall.

Police officials became suspicious after the caller invoked the name of the state's Director General of Police (DGP). Verification with Himachal Pradesh Police confirmed that no such request had been made by the officer, exposing the alleged impersonation.

Investigators are now examining whether the accused had used similar tactics in previous cases to obtain personal favours by misusing the identity of senior government officials.

APK scams cost Chandigarh residents over ₹4 lakh

In Chandigarh, two separate cyber fraud cases demonstrate the dangers of downloading applications from unverified sources.

Police said two victims lost a combined ₹4.14 lakh after installing malicious Android Package Kit (APK) files disguised as legitimate mobile applications.

One victim reportedly downloaded an app called "ReeLoop", while another installed "Maripivahan APK." Investigators believe the applications granted fraudsters remote access to the victims' smartphones, allowing them to authorise multiple unauthorised UPI transactions and transfer money from linked bank accounts.

Authorities are working to identify those behind the fraudulent applications and trace the stolen funds.

Mule accounts and ghost SIM cards fuel organised cybercrime

Investigations in multiple states have also exposed the hidden infrastructure supporting large-scale cyber fraud.

In Varanasi, police arrested six individuals, including an alleged female kingpin, accused of forging Aadhaar documents to open bank accounts used for cybercrime across at least nine states.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Cyber Police registered a case against a point-of-sale (POS) operator accused of issuing SIM cards using forged identity documents. Such "ghost" SIM cards allow fraudsters to operate anonymously and avoid detection during cyber investigations.

In Delhi, investigators tracking a ₹1.2 lakh UPI fraud traced the money trail to a mule bank account allegedly operated from Rajasthan, highlighting how criminals use third-party accounts to receive and quickly transfer stolen money.

What are mule accounts?

A mule bank account is an account used to receive, transfer or withdraw money obtained through cybercrime.

Sometimes the account holder knowingly participates in the fraud in exchange for a commission. In other cases, individuals are tricked into sharing banking credentials or opening accounts that criminals later misuse.

Law enforcement agencies say dismantling these networks is essential because mule accounts form the financial backbone of organised cybercrime.

Understanding the 'digital arrest' scam

Police and cybersecurity experts have also warned about the growing number of "digital arrest" scams.

In these frauds, criminals impersonate police officers, CBI officials, customs authorities or other government agencies and falsely claim that the victim is involved in a criminal investigation.

Victims are intimidated through video or voice calls and pressured into transferring money, sharing sensitive information or remaining isolated while the so-called "investigation" is conducted.

Authorities have repeatedly clarified that no legal process called a "digital arrest" exists in India, and genuine law enforcement agencies never demand payments or confidential financial information over phone or video calls.

How to protect yourself

Cybersecurity experts recommend a few simple precautions:

• Never download APK files from unknown links or messaging apps.
• Install applications only through official app stores.
• Do not share OTPs, UPI PINs or banking credentials with anyone.
• Verify the identity of callers claiming to represent government agencies.
• Disconnect suspicious calls immediately and contact the organisation through official channels.
• Report cyber fraud promptly through the national cybercrime helpline or police.

As cybercriminals continue to refine their tactics, investigators say public awareness remains one of the strongest defences against financial fraud, identity theft and digital deception.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a notification directing universities and law institutions across India to strengthen the study of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) by integrating forensic science, research and case-study-based learning into legal education. The move aims to align legal education with India's evolving criminal justice system and equip future legal professionals with a deeper understanding of scientific investigation and evidence-based justice.

The notification follows the recommendations made during the Directors General and Inspectors General of Police (DGs/IGs) Conference 2025, held from November 28 to 30, 2025, where the importance of forensic science in improving criminal investigations and justice delivery was emphasised.

Focus on Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and forensic science

According to the UGC, National Law Universities (NLUs) and other leading legal institutions have been encouraged to undertake comprehensive studies on how the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita is reshaping India's criminal justice system.

The Commission has specifically highlighted the growing importance of forensic science in criminal investigations and judicial proceedings under the new legal framework.

Institutions have been asked to examine how scientific evidence, forensic technologies and modern investigative methods contribute to faster, more transparent and evidence-based justice delivery.

Research and case studies to become part of legal education

The UGC has urged universities not only to study these developments but also to document their findings through detailed research and case studies.

Law institutions have been advised to analyse practical examples demonstrating how forensic methods are being applied under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and evaluate their impact on criminal investigations, prosecution and court proceedings.

The Commission believes such research will help students better understand the practical implementation of India's new criminal laws while promoting evidence-based legal education.

Curriculum to be updated

As part of the initiative, the UGC has requested all universities and colleges offering law programmes to incorporate the findings of these studies into their curriculum.

The objective is to ensure that law students develop a stronger understanding of the role of forensic science alongside substantive and procedural criminal law.

The integration of research findings, forensic case studies and practical legal analysis is expected to make legal education more interdisciplinary and aligned with the needs of the contemporary justice system.

Compliance sought from higher education institutions

The Commission has directed all higher education institutions offering law courses to take the necessary steps to implement the recommendations.

Universities have also been requested to submit updates on the measures adopted to strengthen Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita studies and integrate forensic-oriented learning into their academic programmes.

Strengthening legal education for a modern justice system

The latest UGC initiative reflects a broader effort to modernise legal education by connecting classroom learning with developments in criminal justice and scientific investigation.

With increasing reliance on forensic evidence, digital investigations and scientific methods in criminal cases, the Commission aims to prepare future lawyers, judges, prosecutors and legal researchers with the knowledge and practical skills required under India's new legal framework.

By encouraging research, curriculum reforms and greater emphasis on forensic science, the UGC seeks to ensure that legal education keeps pace with the evolving demands of the justice delivery system while fostering evidence-based legal practice across the country.

The recent arrest of a 19-year-old in Kanpur following an automated cyber tip from Google's safety systems has underscored the critical role of digital forensics, cybercrime investigation, and forensic education in tackling online crimes involving children.

According to Uttar Pradesh Police, Google's automated detection system identified content suspected to be child sexual abuse material (CSAM) stored in a user's cloud account. Following established legal protocols, the company suspended the account and shared the cyber tip through international law enforcement channels, with the information eventually reaching Indian authorities via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

The Kanpur Cyber Cell initiated a digital investigation using technical evidence supplied through the alert, including account information, IP address records, and the mobile phone's International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. Investigators used this digital trail to identify and locate the suspect before taking him into custody.

The accused's mobile phone has been seized and sent to a forensic laboratory for examination. Digital forensic experts will analyse electronic evidence recovered from the device to verify the allegations, reconstruct digital activity, and determine whether any illegal content was shared through online platforms or remained confined to cloud storage.

The investigation demonstrates how digital evidence has become central to modern criminal investigations. From cloud storage analysis and mobile device examination to metadata recovery and network tracing, forensic specialists now play an increasingly important role in supporting law enforcement agencies dealing with cyber-enabled offences.

For students pursuing careers in forensic science, cybersecurity, or digital forensics, the case illustrates how scientific techniques are applied to preserve, recover, and analyse electronic evidence while maintaining the integrity required for legal proceedings. It also highlights the importance of understanding cyber laws, digital evidence handling, and forensic protocols as technology becomes an integral part of criminal investigations.

Experts note that technology companies use automated detection systems to identify content suspected to involve child exploitation on their platforms. Such alerts do not establish guilt or replace police investigations; instead, they provide investigators with actionable leads that can help secure digital evidence, identify suspects, and prevent further circulation of illegal material.

The case also reflects the growing demand for trained digital forensic professionals in India as cybercrime continues to evolve. With increasing reliance on smartphones, cloud computing, encrypted communication, and online platforms, educational institutions are expanding courses in digital forensics, cybercrime investigation, ethical hacking, and cyber law to equip students with skills needed by law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, and cybersecurity organisations.

Police have urged citizens to report suspected online child exploitation through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or the national cybercrime helpline 1930. Investigators say prompt reporting, combined with forensic expertise and collaboration between technology companies and law enforcement agencies, is essential to protecting children and strengthening India's response to cyber-enabled crimes.

The National Forensic Sciences University has emerged as a leading centre for forensic education, research and innovation, building a distinctive identity in India and abroad through its integrated approach to education, scientific investigation and technological development.

Established in 2009 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the university was accorded the status of an Institution of National Importance in October 2020. According to a release issued by the Gujarat government, NFSU has witnessed rapid growth over the past decade and has expanded its influence across multiple domains of forensic science and criminal justice.

Expanding Global Footprint

Under the leadership of its founding Vice-Chancellor, J. M. Vyas, NFSU has developed an educational model that combines teaching, research, training and investigation.

The university has established an international campus in Jinja and has trained professionals from 96 countries in various forensic science disciplines. The institution's growing international reputation has reportedly prompted several countries to express interest in hosting NFSU campuses.

According to the release, the university is expected to operate 13 campuses in India and abroad by May 2026.

Strengthening Criminal Investigations

One of NFSU's notable contributions has been the development of indigenous Mobile Forensic Investigation Vans, designed to support scientific crime scene investigations and strengthen evidence collection.

More than 300 mobile forensic units are currently deployed across 17 states and Union Territories. Equipped with specialised forensic tools and staffed by trained experts, the vans operate round the clock to assist law enforcement agencies in evidence gathering and crime scene analysis.

The initiative aims to accelerate investigations and improve the quality of evidence presented in courts.

Driving Innovation Through ‘Make in India’

To promote research and entrepreneurship, NFSU established a Forensic Innovation Centre in collaboration with the Forensic Innovation Council and the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP).

The centre supports the development of indigenous forensic technologies, with more than 20 forensic products reportedly being exported to countries including the United States, Australia, Israel, Singapore and several European nations.

The university has also secured patent approvals in both India and the United States for some of its innovations.

Role in High-Profile Investigations

NFSU has been involved in several major forensic assignments and disaster response efforts. The release highlighted the university's role in conducting DNA profiling to identify all 265 victims of the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash near Ahmedabad Airport in June 2025.

The institution has also established a Centre of Excellence for Nutritional Testing for Sportspersons (CoE-NSTS), which conducts nutritional assessments and tests for prohibited substances in sports. The facility is described as a unique initiative in the country.

Focus on Emerging Technologies

Students and researchers at NFSU are engaged in advanced fields such as:

• DNA Forensics
• Digital Forensics
• Drone Forensics
• Cyber Investigation
• Artificial Intelligence Applications in Forensics

These research areas align with national initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Digital India, according to the release.

Addressing New-Age Challenges

The university recently hosted a special lecture by Rajat Sharma on the theme “My Life: My Story.” During the interaction, Sharma discussed contemporary challenges including fake news, misinformation and deepfake technology, highlighting the growing relevance of forensic science in the digital age.

Spiritual leader Rameshbhai Oza also praised the institution during a visit, describing NFSU as an example of India's growing leadership in forensic science and capacity-building.

Building Global Forensic Capabilities

Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, NFSU has positioned itself as a specialised institution focused on strengthening criminal justice systems through scientific investigation, research and capacity building.

Its expansion, international collaborations and focus on emerging forensic technologies have helped establish the university as a significant player in advancing forensic science education and practice both in India and globally.

As cybercrime, digital fraud and technology-driven investigations become increasingly common, a growing number of students are turning towards specialised courses in cybersecurity, forensic science and criminology, signalling a shift in career preferences beyond traditional disciplines such as engineering and medicine.

Education experts say demand for these emerging fields has risen sharply in recent years as governments, businesses and law enforcement agencies seek professionals equipped to tackle complex digital and criminal investigations.

Reflecting this trend, the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) recently invited applications for programmes in Cyber Security, Forensic Science, Criminology and Crime Scene Management at its Chennai campus. The move highlights the expanding interest in courses linked to national security, cyber defence and criminal justice.

The increasing digitisation of services has made cybersecurity one of the fastest-growing career domains globally. Organisations across sectors, including banking, healthcare, e-commerce, information technology and government, are investing heavily in protecting digital infrastructure and sensitive data from cyber threats.

Unlike conventional computer science programmes that primarily focus on software development and programming, cybersecurity courses train students in areas such as ethical hacking, cyber defence, network security, digital forensics and threat intelligence.

At the same time, forensic science is emerging as a critical component of modern criminal investigations. The discipline has gained greater prominence following reforms in India's criminal justice system aimed at strengthening scientific evidence-based investigations.

The government's decision to make forensic examination mandatory in serious criminal cases is expected to create additional demand for trained professionals in crime scene investigation, forensic analysis and evidence management.

Educational institutions are increasingly emphasising practical learning through advanced laboratories, simulation facilities, field training and internships. Experts believe this hands-on approach is attracting students seeking industry-relevant skills and direct career pathways.

Career opportunities for graduates are expanding beyond traditional government roles. Cybersecurity professionals are being recruited by private companies, financial institutions, technology firms and cybercrime units, while forensic science graduates are finding employment in forensic laboratories, investigative agencies, law enforcement organisations and legal support services.

As digital threats continue to evolve and scientific investigation becomes more central to law enforcement, educators believe cybersecurity and forensic science will remain among the most sought-after professional courses in the coming years.

The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), headquartered in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, has trained representatives from 96 countries and expanded its footprint to 13 campuses across India and abroad, underscoring its emergence as a global centre for forensic science education and research.

Speaking about the institution's growing international presence, university officials said NFSU has become a key platform for capacity building in forensic sciences, cybersecurity, criminal investigation and allied disciplines. The university has attracted students, professionals and government officials from across the world, strengthening India's role in advancing scientific investigation and forensic expertise.

Established in 2009 and declared an Institution of National Importance by Parliament in 2020, NFSU is widely regarded as the world's first and only university dedicated exclusively to forensic sciences and allied fields. Over the years, it has developed specialised academic programmes that integrate education, research, training and practical applications.

The university's international outreach has expanded significantly, with representatives from 96 nations participating in various academic, training and professional development programmes. NFSU currently operates 13 campuses, including international centres, and is exploring opportunities for further global expansion.

In addition to education and training, the university has made notable contributions to forensic innovation. It has developed indigenous forensic technologies and supports law enforcement agencies through specialised training, research initiatives and mobile forensic investigation units.

Officials said the institution is also focusing on promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in forensic sciences through dedicated research centres and industry collaborations. Several technologies and products developed at the university are now finding applications in criminal justice systems and security agencies.

The expansion reflects the growing global demand for forensic professionals amid increasing emphasis on scientific methods in criminal investigations, cybercrime detection and national security. NFSU's progress also aligns with India's broader efforts to position itself as a knowledge and innovation hub in emerging scientific disciplines.