In a move to streamline cybercrime investigations and bolster victim support, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched a new system that automatically converts complaints about high-value financial cybercrimes into e-Zero FIRs. Initially, this initiative will be piloted in Delhi and apply to cases involving losses of ₹10 lakh or more.
Announcing the development on social media, Union Home Minister Amit Shah revealed that complaints registered through the national cyber helpline (1930) or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) will now directly lead to the filing of a Zero FIR by Delhi Police’s e-Crime Police Station. These FIRs will then be routed to the appropriate cybercrime police station for follow-up.
This new e-Zero FIR system is part of the broader strategy under the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) to accelerate action against online financial fraud. It also supports the government’s vision of a “Cyber Secure Bharat.”
The integration involves NCRP, the Delhi Police e-FIR system, and the National Crime Record Bureau’s CCTNS platform, allowing seamless registration and transfer of cases regardless of territorial jurisdiction. Victims will have three days to visit the nearest cybercrime police station and get their Zero FIR formally registered as a regular FIR.
According to the MHA, the initiative aims to remove hurdles faced by victims in recovering lost funds and to speed up the law enforcement response. It is aligned with new provisions under Section 173 (1) and (1)(ii) of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
After the Delhi pilot, the system is expected to be gradually rolled out across other states and union territories. By increasing the rate at which complaints convert into FIRs, the initiative hopes to enhance both accountability and the success of recovery operations.
