Daijiworld Media Network

Mumbai, May 28: In a significant development aimed at bolstering the city's cybercrime response capabilities, Mumbai’s cyber crime unit is all set to relocate from Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to a state-of-the-art cyber police station in Bandra West. The move comes amid a sharp spike in sophisticated financial frauds, prompting the need for enhanced digital policing infrastructure.

The new West Region Cyber Police Station, strategically located on the 5th floor of the Mumbai Police Cyber Centre building near Lucky Junction on S.V. Road, is scheduled for inauguration in the coming days. Officials confirmed that the station will exclusively tackle cyber fraud cases involving amounts above Rs 10 lac.

A fully functional cyber laboratory equipped with modern computers, servers, and digital forensic tools will support investigations. The lab will assist in number tracing, data recovery, and the study of emerging fraud tactics—such as fake trading apps and impersonation scams—that have plagued Mumbai in recent times.

Senior officers including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of the Cyber Crime Department will also shift their operations to the 6th floor of the same building. Moreover, a Crime Branch Unit is expected to join the complex, according to police sources.

Currently, Mumbai is divided into five cyber policing zones—South, Central, East, North, and West. Speaking to a senior official said, “The Bandra West cyber station will have a dedicated team comprising eight officers, including a senior inspector, and 35 personnel. Fraud cases under ?10 lakh will continue to be handled by local police stations.”

“The need for such a facility was felt due to a surge in complaints related to WhatsApp impersonation, digital arrests, and investment scams,” the officer added.

Until now, cyber labs existed only in the South, Central, and East zones. With the new addition in the West, Mumbai Police aims to deliver quicker and more precise digital investigations, providing relief to victims and ensuring faster tracking of online fraudsters.

As cyber threats evolve, Mumbai Police urges citizens to be vigilant. Here's a quick reminder:

Do’s

• Always verify calls or messages from unknown numbers, especially if claiming to be from government agencies.

• Report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or visit www.cybercrime.gov.in.

• Dial the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 for financial frauds.

• Educate yourself about common online scams.

Don’ts

• Never share OTPs, CVV, or card details without verifying the identity of the requester.

• Do not click on unknown links or download attachments from suspicious emails.

• Avoid engaging with fraudsters demanding payments under the pretext of police or legal action.

With the launch of this new facility, Mumbai takes a bold step in strengthening its cyber defences, ensuring residents remain one step ahead in the digital war against crime.