UPSIFS hosts three-day Cybercrime Prevention Seminar under CM Yogi’s guidance

Lucknow, Aug 2025 : The Yogi government is actively equipping UP Police officers with high-tech training to combat cybercrime. As part of this initiative, the Uttar Pradesh Institute of Forensic Sciences is hosting a three-day seminar under the guidance of CM Yogi. On the second day, cyber experts engaged in in-depth discussions on preventing cybercrime, highlighting illegal activities on the dark web and the unregulated use of cryptocurrencies, which criminals exploit to trap victims.

The seminar, conducted by Colonel Nitish Bhatnagar, focused on emerging technological threats, cryptocurrency misuse, and cybercrime trends. Experts emphasized that while cryptocurrency began as a technological innovation, it has increasingly become a tool for illegal activities on the dark web.
Panellist Aamir raised concerns about crimes on the dark web, noting that criminals not only sell hacked data but also engage in human trafficking and drug trafficking. He added that India’s new digital data protection law will play a key role in curbing these crimes.

Panellist Vishnu Narayan Sharma explained that crimes on the dark web are difficult to detect due to its anonymous and decentralised nature. Still, advanced technology can help law enforcement achieve success. Cyber Cell DIG Pawan Kumar highlighted that law enforcement agencies often face challenges in tackling cybercrime, pointing out that 90% of such crimes have now moved to crypto platforms. He said, “Yogi government is continuously taking effective measures to address this issue.”

The seminar also explored emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing, with experts agreeing that AI will play a crucial role in preventing cybercrime in the future. The need for international cooperation to combat global cybercrime was also emphasized.

The dark web, hidden from standard search engines and accessible only via specialized tools like the Tor Browser, hosts numerous illegal activities, including:

Drug trade: Illegal sale of drugs and narcotics.
Human trafficking and kidnapping: Use of the dark web for human trafficking and other illicit trades.
Data theft: Stealing and selling personal information.
Criminal networks: Planning violent acts and illegal operations, including hiring killers.
Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, while beneficial in the global financial market, also present significant risks:
Fraudulent schemes: Unauthorized exchanges and “pump-and-dump” scams.
Transaction anonymity: Enables financial fraud, money laundering, and terrorist funding.
Cyberattacks: Hacking of wallets and exchanges, leading to theft.

Experts stressed measures to curb these threats:

• Encryption and secure communication to prevent illegal activities.
• Multi-factor authentication for crypto wallets and exchanges.
• Legal monitoring and proactive law enforcement to tackle dark web crimes.
• Cryptocurrency tracking tools to trace suspicious transactions.
• Public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about crypto risks and dark web dangers.
• Security education for individuals and businesses to adopt safe online practices.

Through such initiatives, the Yogi government is strengthening law enforcement capabilities, raising awareness, and leveraging technology to protect citizens from cybercrime and the growing threats posed by the dark web and cryptocurrencies.