Gujarat Police launches e-Zero FIR system to combat cyber fraud

Gujarat Police has launched a new ‘Cyber Financial Fraud e-Zero First Information Report’ (e-Zero FIR) system to combat the rise in cyber financial crimes. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, the cyber cell is utilizing the national cybercrime helpline number 1930 to streamline reporting.

The e-Zero FIR allows victims to register complaints digitally, which are then immediately transferred to the relevant local or cybercrime police station. This rapid response aims to utilize the ‘golden hour’—the critical initial period following a fraud—to increase the chances of recovering stolen funds. In one reported instance, a victim was able to recover 1.63 crore rupees out of a 2.30 crore rupee loss through this mechanism.

Bipin Ahire, IG of the Cyber Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar, stated that once the e-Zero FIR is registered, police teams contact the victim to gather details and coordinate with banks to initiate immediate investigations.