Formation of High-Level Committee on Digital Arrest Scam Cases

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has informed the Supreme Court about the formation of a high-level committee to address issues related to digital arrest scam cases. These scams involve fraudsters posing as officials to extort money from victims through intimidation.

Background

• The Supreme Court had previously directed a unified investigation by the CBI into such scams, following complaints from victims.
• The court sought input from various Union ministries to tackle cybercrime efficiently.

Committee Details

• Chaired by the Special Secretary (Internal Security).
• Includes members from: 
  • Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
  • Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
  • Department of Financial Services
  • Ministry of Law and Justice
  • Ministry of Consumer Affairs
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
  • Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
  • National Investigation Agency (NIA)
  • Delhi Police
  • Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
• CEO of I4C serves as member-secretary.
• Meetings are held bi-weekly.

Committee's Mandate

• Examine real-time challenges faced by enforcement agencies.
• Consider recommendations and directions from the court and amicus curiae.
• Identify legislative gaps and suggest corrective measures.
• Provide inputs for further action.

Key Discussions and Proposals

• CBI suggested implementing a monetary threshold for cases.
• MeitY stressed on enhancing the adjudication mechanism under the Information Technology Act.
• Department of Telecommunications discussed draft rules under the Telecommunications Act to address issues like SIM card issuance.
• I4C is finalizing SOPs for financial recovery processes and considering updates to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and helpline 1930.
• Victim compensation was considered viable in cases of negligence, service deficiency, or fraud by banks or telecom providers.

Future Directions

The committee aims to ensure victims are not penalized due to systemic failures or regulatory lapses. The MHA has requested a month for further deliberations before proceeding with additional court hearings.