I4C's e-Zero FIR Initiative: FIRs to Be Automatically Registered for Cyber Fraud Above ₹10 Lakh
In a significant step towards strengthening the fight against cybercrime, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has launched the e-Zero FIR initiative. This pioneering project aims to streamline the process of lodging First Information Reports (FIRs) for cyber frauds exceeding ₹10 lakh, enabling quicker response and investigation.
Key Highlights of the e-Zero FIR Initiative:
1. Automated FIR Registration:
Victims who report cyber fraud through the 1930 helpline or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) will now have their complaints automatically registered as Zero FIRs. This means that the complaint will be formally acknowledged even if the jurisdiction isn't yet clear, allowing immediate action and preventing delays in the investigation.
2. Integration with Law Enforcement Systems:
The e-Zero FIR mechanism is integrated with the Delhi Police’s e-FIR system and the National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS). This integration will ensure a seamless and effective workflow for processing and tracking cybercrime cases.
3. Pilot Project in Delhi:
Currently, the initiative is being tested as a pilot project in Delhi. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is overseeing this effort and has plans to expand the initiative across India based on its success and effectiveness.
4. Victim's Responsibility:
Once a Zero FIR is registered, the victim must visit the nearest cybercrime police station within three days. This step is necessary to convert the Zero FIR into a regular FIR, which is essential for the formal investigation process to begin.
A Step Toward Faster Justice
The e-Zero FIR project is designed to reduce the time gap between reporting a cyber fraud and the initiation of an official investigation. By automating key aspects of the FIR process, the initiative empowers victims and helps law enforcement agencies act swiftly in high-value fraud cases.
Stay alert. Stay safe.
Cybercrime is evolving — and so must our response mechanisms. The e-Zero FIR initiative is a promising leap in that direction.
