Karnataka has emerged as the cybercrime capital of India, accounting for 25.57% of all registered cases in the country in 2023, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data released on Tuesday.The State recorded 21,889 cybercrime cases, 20% more than Telangana, which registered 18,236 cases and has ranked second.At the heart of Karnataka’s cybercrime surge is Bengaluru. The IT hub alone accounted for 17,631 of the 21,889 cases reported in the State in 2023, making it the city with the highest cybercrime incidence in the country. Among metropolitan cities, Bengaluru reported the highest number of cybercrime cases, contributing 51.92% of all cases across the 19 metros. Hyderabad came second with 4,855 cases in 2023. Bengaluru’s cybercrime rate stands at an alarming 207.4 cases per lakh population, more than seven times the national average.From 6,423 cases in 2021 to 9,940 in 2022, and now over 17,631 in 2023 in the city, the surge reflects the evolving cybercrime landscape and the vulnerabilities that come with it. The data says that two major motives of the cybercrimes are fraud and sexual exploitation.In 2024, the cases increased marginally as the State recorded 22,468 cybercrimes. However, halfway through 2025, Karnataka recorded 7,293 cybercrime cases, at least 2,000 fewer than during the same period in 2024 and the year before, according to State Crime Records reviewed by The Hindu. Senior officials said that while the number of cases may be going down, the sophistication of these crimes and the money lost is only going up.Poor convictionDespite the surge in reporting, convictions remain minimal. Karnataka recorded only 44 convictions in 2023, including 11 cases carried over from previous years, alongside 60 acquittals and no discharges. For Bengaluru, this means that less than 0.3% of cases result in conviction.A senior police officer attributed the rise to four key factors: lack of cyber hygiene, inadequate cybersecurity, low cyber awareness, and a dynamic modus operandi that succeeds due to this lack of awareness.Another officer highlighted Karnataka’s proactive approach to tackling cybercrime. “We have better reporting mechanisms than any other State. For example, several States do not register cases where the financial loss is less than one lakh; in Karnataka, not only do we register cases with no monetary loss, but victims are encouraged to file complaints at all stations,” the officer explained.Cutting edge technlogyThe officer also noted how Bengaluru’s status as an IT hub contributes to cybercrime. “A mixed population resides in Bengaluru with access to cutting-edge technology. Investment, online trading, and e-commerce have all increased over the last few years, making people more susceptible to cybercrimes,” he said. “In recent years, we have seen a surge in investment fraud and courier scams, showing that even educated individuals, trying to grow their savings, have fallen prey.”“With such a situation, coupled with poor cyber hygiene, people often leak their own data, which can cost them heavily,” the officer told The Hindu. He also admitted that efforts to raise cybercrime awareness have been insufficient.Cybersecurity expert Shivaling Salakki pointed out the low conviction rate, stating, “As these fraudsters continue to escape punishment, more people are getting involved in cybercrimes. There is a shortage of skilled cybercrime investigators, which must be addressed to improve conviction rates.” He further suggested that inter-State collaboration among investigating agencies could enhance effectiveness.Senior police officers also highlighted Karnataka’s Cyber Command Unit (CCU), calling it a potential game-changer for the State. “The recent High Court ruling emphasising the importance of strengthening the CCU is a welcome move,” said an officer.