Kerala Police cybercrime investigation initiatives

The Kerala Police have expanded their cybercrime investigation and enforcement capabilities through specialized operations and strategic partnerships.

Through ‘Operation P-Hunt,’ managed by the Counter Child Sexual Exploitation Centre (CCSE), authorities have focused on combating online child sexual exploitation. This initiative utilizes darknet monitoring, cyber intelligence, and surveillance of encrypted messaging apps. Since 2017, the operation has resulted in over 2,100 registered cases and approximately 400 arrests. The CCSE has also received training and assistance from Interpol and the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC).

Furthering their technological reach, the Kerala Police entered a three-year memorandum of understanding with cybersecurity firm Cyble. This partnership is designed to enhance intelligence regarding ransomware, phishing networks, and stolen credentials. The collaboration supports the police cyber operations wing and Cyberdome by providing training in open-source intelligence (OSINT) and dark web investigations, while also researching emerging threats such as deepfakes and AI-enabled fraud.