Ladakh Intensifies Cybercrime Crackdown As Digital Fraud Cases Rise

LEH, Sept 2: Ladakh is stepping up measures to tackle rising cybercrime, with authorities strengthening enforcement, investigation and public awareness as digital fraud and online financial scams increase across the Union Territory.

Official figures show that 1,077 cybercrime complaints involving around Rs 10 crore were reported in Ladakh between 2021 and 2026. The number of cases rose sharply from 43 in 2022 to 366 in 2025, prompting authorities to strengthen the region’s cybercrime response.

As a major step, Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on August 27 approved the establishment of a dedicated cyber police station for Ladakh, with jurisdiction across the Union Territory. The notification came into effect immediately.

Saxena said the facility would strengthen the administration’s ability to prevent cybercrime, protect citizens from financial fraud and ensure faster investigation and response as digital banking, UPI, e-commerce and e-governance expand across Ladakh.

Ladakh Police is simultaneously enhancing the capabilities of its personnel. A two-day training-cum-workshop on cybercrime response, investigation and use of cybercrime portals was held at Police Headquarters, Leh, on August 31 and September 1.

Personnel from district cyber cells and cyber help desks were trained in handling complaints, using the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), financial-fraud management, financial-trail investigation, e-Zero FIR registration, digital evidence and cybercrime investigation procedures.

Police have also urged victims of cyber fraud to immediately dial 1930, stressing the importance of the first 60 minutes, described as the “golden hour”, in improving the chances of tracing and recovering defrauded funds.

Alongside enforcement, NGOs, financial institutions and community groups are expanding financial literacy and cyber-safety programmes at the grassroots.

A financial awareness initiative, ‘Arthsutra Samvad’, organised at Chuchot and Phyang, brought together cyber police personnel, students, women, village leaders and youth to promote safe digital financial practices.

The sessions covered savings, budgeting, responsible borrowing, financial planning and cyber fraud awareness, while students were sensitised to suspicious calls, messages, links and online investment offers.

Authorities said community-based awareness, coupled with stronger policing and faster reporting, would be crucial to building a safer digital environment in Ladakh. (Agencies)