Key Takeaways:

• Victims deceived through fake lotteries, overseas jobs and parcel scams
• Offenders exploit VPNs, proxy servers and erase digital evidence to evade detection
• Cybercrime punishable by up to 5 years' jail or Rs 100,000 fine under law
• Police urge strong passwords, two-factor authentication and caution with OTPs/PINs

DHADING, JULY 22 Cybercrime cases in Dhading have risen sharply over the past three years, with the number of complainants increasing more than sixfold, according to district police data. The District Police Office, Dhading, reported that growing use of digital platforms, coupled with limited digital literacy, has led to a significant rise in online fraud, financial scams and cyber-related offences. WhatsApp, along with digital wallet platforms such as eSewa and Khalti, has emerged as the primary medium used by fraudsters. Police records show that 20 people-10 women and 10 men-filed cybercrime complaints in fiscal year 2023/24. The number increased to 37 complainants in 2024/25 and surged to 114 in fiscal year 2025/26, including 27 women, 86 men and two minors. Deputy Superintendent of Police Prakash Dahal, information officer at the District Police Office, said cybercrime complaints have increased significantly compared to previous years, largely due to a lack of public awareness and unsafe digital transactions. According to Police Inspector Shyam Kumar Basnet, fraudsters are using multiple online platforms to lure victims with false promises. In the last fiscal year alone, 45 complaints were linked to WhatsApp scams, 44 to eSewa and Khalti transactions, 15 to TikTok-related fraud and 10 to Facebook. Police said victims were commonly deceived through fake lottery winnings, overseas employment offers and parcel-delivery scams, with fraudsters persuading them to transfer money through digital wallets. Under the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008, cybercrime offences can result in imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to Rs 100,000, or both, depending on the nature of the offence and court verdict. Local police coordinate with the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police for investigation of such cases. Authorities, however, say investigations remain challenging due to the technical nature of cybercrime, a shortage of skilled personnel, the ease with which digital evidence can be erased, and the use of VPNs and proxy servers by offenders operating from outside the country. Delays in obtaining information from foreign platforms such as Facebook's parent company Meta also complicate investigations. Police have urged the public to remain vigilant against online fraud, cyberbullying, data theft, hacking, dissemination of child sexual abuse materials and misuse of private photos and videos. They have advised users to adopt strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid opening suspicious links, and refrain from sharing OTPs, PIN codes or personal financial information with others. Police said enhancing public awareness, strengthening technical capacity and improving coordination with national and international agencies are essential to curbing the growing threat of cybercrime.