Urges Public to Report via Helpline 1930; Flags Image-Based Malware, Cyber Slavery
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD):Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Crime Investigation Centre for Excellence (CICE), Jammu and Kashmir, Yaseen Kichloo, on Friday sounded the alarm over a sharp rise in cybercrimes and urged citizens to exercise extreme caution while using digital platforms.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, SSP Kichloo highlighted disturbing trends involving social media hacks, financial frauds, sextortion, and a growing global racket of cyber slavery.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized digital awareness through his Mann Ki Baat programme. We are now witnessing a significant spike in cybercrime complaints—especially involving WhatsApp and Facebook accounts being hacked,” Kichloo said.
He noted that most people are still unaware of the Cybercrime Investigation Centre for Excellence (CICE), a vital arm of the Crime Department. “I came from Jammu to spread awareness about CICE and the cyber infrastructure established across the Union Territory,” he added.
Highlighting government initiatives, the SSP said cyber investigation units and cyber police stations have now been set up in every district of J&K—strengthening local capacity to handle digital threats.
“Last year alone, we managed to recover nearly ₹7 crore and return it to the bank accounts of fraud victims,” he revealed.
Kichloo flagged several emerging threats. “We’re seeing increasing reports of WhatsApp account takeovers and misuse of high-resolution images uploaded to Facebook. People must be extremely cautious about what they share online.”
A particularly concerning trend is the use of image-based malware, where cybercriminals embed malicious code into innocent-looking pictures—often of elderly individuals—sent through messaging platforms. “Opening these images can infect your device,” he warned.
He also highlighted the rise of ‘cyber slavery’, saying many young individuals are being trafficked to foreign countries and forced to work in organised cybercrime rings.
Sextortion cases, he added, are also increasing. “People receive fake video calls, and then find themselves blackmailed using morphed or manipulated images and videos. Never answer video calls from unknown numbers,” he advised.
SSP Kichloo urged the public to report any suspicious cyber activity without hesitation. “Timely reporting is crucial. Citizens should immediately call the national cybercrime helpline 1930 if they suspect any fraud or digital threat.”
He concluded with a strong message on community responsibility: “Awareness, vigilance, and responsible online behavior are our best defence. The police are doing their part—now it’s time for every citizen to stay informed and alert.”(DD)
