12th February 2025, Kathmandu
In the first seven months of the current fiscal year, cybercrime complaints in Nepal have sharply risen. By Magh 28, 2080 (February 10, 2025), the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police registered 10,702 complaints, a significant rise compared to previous years. This uptick highlights the growing concern about cyber threats in the country.
Cybercrime Surge in Nepal 2025
Platform-Specific Cybercrimes
Social media platforms continue to be the main hubs for these crimes. Among the complaints, Facebook is the most targeted platform, accounting for 5,570 of the total cases. Other platforms like WhatsApp have seen 1,484 complaints, while TikTok and Telegram reported 1,061 and 924 complaints, respectively. There have also been 197 complaints related to fraud on eSewa, an online payment platform.
Victims Across Demographics
The victims of cybercrime in Nepal span a wide demographic. According to the data, 5,830 men and 4,614 women have fallen prey to these crimes. While the number of complaints indicates widespread issues, it also highlights the vulnerability of both genders to online scams and frauds.
Financial Recovery from Fraudulent Activities
The Cyber Bureau has made significant strides in recovering funds lost to online financial fraud. So far, NPR 4.5 crore has been recovered and returned to victims. This marks a key achievement in the bureau’s effort to counter online frauds, which have surged in recent years as more people engage in online transactions.
Challenges in Legal Processes
Despite the rise in complaints, the number of legal cases registered remains low. Only 52 cybercrime cases have been officially filed so far this fiscal year. This disparity between complaints and case registration is indicative of the challenges the authorities face in tracking down and prosecuting cybercriminals. One of the main obstacles is the difficulty in identifying and apprehending perpetrators, who often operate from outside the country.
Government’s Role and Efforts
The Nepalese government recognizes the growing threat of cybercrime and has started implementing various measures to combat it. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is working on improving the legal framework and fostering public awareness about internet security. Officials also stress the need for better collaboration between the government, law enforcement, and tech companies to address these issues.
Conclusion
Cybercrime in Nepal has become an increasingly serious problem, affecting thousands of citizens each year. The government and law enforcement are taking steps to address the issue, but challenges remain, especially in legal procedures and international coordination. Continued efforts are needed to make online spaces safer for everyone.
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