Government Places Indian Cyber Crime Centre I4C under PMLA

The Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance has notified the inclusion of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under Section 66 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. This move allows I4C to share and receive information with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and other law enforcement agencies to enhance the fight against cyber-enabled financial crimes and cybercrime-related financial transactions.

Key Highlights

• I4C now empowered under Section 66 (Disclosure of Information) of PMLA, 2002.
• Enables information-sharing with ED and other enforcement agencies for investigating cyber-related financial crimes.
• Aims to tackle rising cyber frauds in banking, online gaming, betting platforms, and financial transactions.
• Helps identify transnational masterminds behind cyber frauds.
• The public is urged to report cybercrimes via National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or call 1930.

Significance of Move:

• Enhances inter-agency cooperation and intelligence sharing to combat cyber-enabled financial crimes.
• Boosts India’s ability to tackle transnational cyber fraud networks.
• Strengthens legal and institutional framework to safeguard citizens from online financial crimes.

About Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002:

Enacted: January 2003.

Objectives:

• Prevent and control money laundering.
• Confiscate/seize proceeds of crime.
• Address issues connected with money laundering.

Key Provisions:

• Obligates banks/financial institutions to verify and maintain records of clients and transactions.
• Empowers Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate and attach properties involved in money laundering.
• Establishes Adjudicating Authority and Appellate Tribunal to confirm attachments and hear appeals.
• Provides for Special Courts to try offences under the Act.
• Allows government to enter into agreements with foreign countries for enforcement cooperation.

Section 66 (Disclosure of Information):

• Permits Director or specified authority to share information with concerned agencies if other laws are contravened.

About Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C):

• Established under: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Approved in: 2018; operational since 2020.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• Acts as national nodal agency for coordinated fight against cybercrime.
• It is not a statutory body.
• Integrates academia, industry, government, and public for prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of cybercrimes.

Objectives of I4C:

• Serve as nodal point to curb cybercrime.
• Strengthen fight against cybercrimes targeting women and children.
• Facilitate easy complaint filing and identification of cybercrime trends.
• Act as early warning system for law enforcement.
• Create public awareness for cybercrime prevention.
• Support capacity building for police, prosecutors, judiciary in cyber forensic and investigation.
• Promote research & development of cyber forensic tools in collaboration with academia.
• Suggest legal amendments to keep pace with evolving technologies.
• Coordinate Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLAT) implementation for cybercrimes.

Key Components of I4C:

1. National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (TAU): Monitors and reports cybercrime threats.
2. National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP): 24×7 platform for citizens to report cybercrimes online.
3. National Cybercrime Training Centre (NCTC): Provides training to law enforcement officials.
4. National Cybercrime Research & Innovation Centre: Develops indigenous tools and technologies.
5. Platform for Joint Cyber Crime Coordination Team: Facilitates sharing of modus operandi among LEAs.
6. Cybercrime Ecosystem Management Unit: Promotes cyber hygiene awareness.
7. National Cybercrime Forensic Laboratory: Assists LEAs in cyber forensics investigations.

Other Initiatives For Cyber Crime

• Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting & Management System: Prevents fund siphoning during financial frauds in near-real time.
• Toll-Free Helpline 1930: Citizen support for lodging online financial fraud complaints.
• ‘Cyber Dost’ Social Media Handle: Spreads cyber safety tips.
• Cyber Crime Volunteers Program: Mobilizes citizens to support cybercrime prevention efforts.
• Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC): Promotes cooperative federalism in tackling online financial crimes.
• ‘Cyber Commandos’ Program: Establishes trained cybercrime response teams in states and central police.
• Samanvay Platform: Data repository and coordination portal for law enforcement.
• Cyber Suspect Registry: Maintains cybercrime suspect data to enhance fraud risk management in collaboration with financial institutions.