The Indian government has blocked 3,718 mobile apps, 15.75 lakh SIM cards and 5.77 lakh IMEIs as part of a nationwide cybercrime crackdown that has helped save over ₹11,158 crore.
New Delhi: The Centre has intensified its nationwide campaign against cybercrime and digital financial fraud, blocking 3,718 mobile applications, including fraudulent loan apps, as authorities expand efforts to disrupt the infrastructure used by online fraudsters.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed the Lok Sabha that the apps were blocked by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) up to June 30, 2026, using provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The action forms part of a broader government strategy targeting fraudulent applications, suspicious mobile connections and devices associated with cybercrime.
₹11,158 Crore Saved From Cyber Fraud
One of the biggest developments highlighted by the government is the performance of the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS).
According to official data, the system had helped save more than ₹11,158 crore across over 32.80 lakh cyber-fraud complaints by June 30, 2026. The system was launched in 2021 to enable citizens to report financial fraud quickly and allow authorities and financial institutions to intervene before funds are siphoned away.
The government has also strengthened its financial fraud prevention mechanism through coordination between law-enforcement agencies, banks and other financial institutions.
15.75 Lakh SIM Cards and 5.77 Lakh IMEIs Blocked
The crackdown has also extended beyond mobile applications. More than 15.75 lakh SIM cards and 5.77 lakh IMEI numbers reported by police authorities have been blocked, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The move is aimed at preventing suspected fraudsters from continuing to operate through compromised or suspicious mobile connections and devices.
Government Targets Mule Accounts
Authorities are also focusing on mule accounts, which are bank accounts used to receive, transfer or conceal money obtained through cyber fraud.
The I4C’s Suspect Registry, launched in September 2024 in collaboration with banks and financial institutions, had received more than 30.48 lakh suspect identifiers by June 2026. More than 32.08 lakh Layer-1 mule accounts were shared with participating entities, with transactions worth ₹25,698 crore reportedly declined.
Sahyog Portal Speeds Up Action Against Illegal Content
The government has also introduced the Sahyog portal to accelerate notices to technology platforms and intermediaries for removing or disabling access to information, data or links allegedly being used for unlawful activities.
Meanwhile, the Money Restoration Module and Grievance Redressal Module, which became operational in April 2026, are intended to improve the process of recovering defrauded funds and resolving complaints related to frozen bank accounts and lien-marked amounts.
The latest figures underline the growing scale of India’s response to online financial crime. With cyber fraud increasingly involving fake loan platforms, digital payment scams, identity misuse and networks of mule accounts, authorities are combining app blocking, telecom restrictions, financial monitoring and faster complaint reporting to protect citizens.
For consumers, the government continues to stress the importance of immediately reporting suspected financial fraud, as rapid reporting can improve the chances of stopping or recovering stolen funds.
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