Kathmandu— Nepal Police Headquarters (NPHQ) is preparing to launch an Anti-Cyber Scam Centre (ACSC) and establish integrated command centres at the federal, provincial, and district levels as reports of cybercrime continue to increase alongside the country’s rapid digitalization. Deputy Inspector General Abi Narayan Kafle, spokesperson for NPHQ, stated that the police are prioritizing technological capabilities, human resources, and infrastructure to strengthen their response to digital crimes, recognizing a significant shift in criminal activity towards online platforms and financial systems. The ACSC will foster collaboration between Nepal Police, Nepal Rastra Bank, banking associations, telecommunications authorities, and internet service providers to improve information-sharing and coordination in tackling scams and fraud. This initiative comes as the number of reported cybercrime complaints has steadily risen over the past three fiscal years.

Surge in Cybercrime Complaints

According to the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau, 20,526 cybercrime complaints were registered in the fiscal year 2025/26, an increase of approximately 1,600 from the previous fiscal year. This translates to an average of around 56 complaints received daily. In FY 2023/24, the bureau recorded 19,730 complaints. Police filed 409 cases in court for legal action in FY 2025/26, up from 291 and 255 in the previous two fiscal years.

Expanding Investigative Capacity

Nepal Police plans to establish cyber desks at every district police office, acknowledging that addressing cybercrime requires a broader reach beyond Kathmandu. This move aims to improve access to initial complaint handling and digital evidence collection while enhancing investigative capabilities at the local level. Plans also include expanding forensic science and digital forensic laboratories to the provincial level, alongside deploying specialized personnel to handle increasingly complex cyber investigations.

Integrated Command Centers & Technology Upgrades

Beyond cybersecurity, Nepal Police is establishing Integrated Command Centres across all levels of government to improve emergency response coordination between relevant agencies. The initiative represents a broader shift towards technology-driven policing, with plans to install GPS systems in patrol teams for improved monitoring and deploy an expanded Social Media Coordination Desk to provincial levels to counter misinformation. Authorities are also acquiring advanced technologies such as facial recognition systems, call-interception technology, blockchain analysis tools, and crime-scene scanners to strengthen evidence-based investigations.

New Police Academy Nearing Completion

The modernization program includes upgrading police training infrastructure with the construction of the National Police Academy in Panauti, Kavre. The project, funded by a grant from the Government of India, is 91 per cent complete and covers 646 ropanis of land, encompassing 67 structures including 48 buildings. The academy is expected to provide modern facilities for police training and professional development as Nepal Police prepares its personnel to deal with increasingly sophisticated crime.

Policies are also being developed for online training, leadership development, and performance-based evaluation of police personnel, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of addressing the evolving challenges of cybercrime and maintaining public safety.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.