First-of-its-kind 24x7 cyber fraud mitigation centre in UP

LUCKNOW: In a pioneering initiative to combat the rising menace of cybercrime, the Uttar Pradesh Police has operationalised the country’s first-of-its-kind Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) — a 24x7 integrated facility that has already helped freeze ₹12.5 crore belonging to 221 victims across the state within just seven months of its inception.

Established by the UP Cyber Headquarters in Lucknow under DG Cyber HQ Binod Singh, the CFMC marks a major shift in policing strategy — from reactive investigation to real-time financial intervention.

“What sets this centre apart is its round-the-clock coordination mechanism, where representatives from leading banks and financial institutions are physically stationed alongside police personnel to enable immediate action on reported cyber frauds,” Singh said.

Senior officials said the centre functions as a rapid-response hub, drastically reducing the critical time gap between a fraud being reported and preventive action being initiated.

“In cyber fraud cases, time is money. The faster the response, the higher the chances of saving the victim’s funds,” an officer at the Cyber HQ said.

Calling it a first in the country, Singh said once a complaint is received — primarily through the national cyber helpline 1930 or online portals — the CFMC team swiftly alerts the concerned banks, enabling instant freezing of suspect accounts and halting the onward trail of siphoned money.

“The initiative has proven to be a game-changer in a landscape where cybercriminals exploit speed and anonymity. By bringing all stakeholders under one roof, the UP Police has created a seamless, tech-driven ecosystem that prioritises victim relief and financial recovery,” he added.

Officials said the CFMC model is now being seen as a potential template for replication at the national level, as cyber fraud cases continue to surge across the country.

With measurable outcomes and a victim-centric approach, the centre is emerging as a benchmark in modern policing, demonstrating how institutional innovation can counter evolving digital threats.

“I lost ₹6 lakh and never thought I would recover it, but UP Cyber HQ got the entire amount back,” said Naresh Kumar from GB Nagar.

Another victim, Govind Kumar from Chandauli, said he lost ₹9 lakh saved for his daughter’s marriage in an online fraud. “However, as soon as I approached UP Cyber HQ and dialled 1930, ₹7.17 lakh was swiftly frozen,” he said.

Officials said these are not isolated cases, with over 200 victims benefiting from timely intervention.

In a step to strengthen cybercrime response, DGP Rajeev Krishna inaugurated a call centre for the 1930 National Cybercrime Helpline at DCP South office in Kalli Paschim, Lucknow, on July 30, 2025.

“To address the surge in cyber-related complaints, the state expanded its 1930 helpline infrastructure. A new 30-seat hi-tech call centre was operationalised in Kalli Paschim, complementing the existing 20-seat centre at UP 112 headquarters,” Singh said.

The facility operates round the clock with 94 trained police personnel, from constables to inspectors. A team of 50 agents registers complaints related to financial cyber frauds.

Complaints received are instantly visible on platforms such as I4C (Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre), the Cyber Crime Headquarters, concerned cyber cells, and local police stations.

Officials added that the Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre, modelled on I4C, has also been set up at the same location.