Explained: What is e-Zero FIR, why it matters, and how it will help tackle cybercrime

cybercrime

Back in May, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) introduced the e-Zero FIR system through the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), marking a major shift in how cyber financial crimes are reported and investigated. Launched as a pilot in Delhi, the initiative aims to make the filing of cybercrime cases faster, more streamlined, and more victim-friendly. It supports the government’s broader goal of building a Cyber-Secure Bharat and directly addresses gaps in FIR registration and investigation delays that often hinder money recovery.

What is e-Zero FIR?

Under the new system, cyber financial crime complaints lodged through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or the cyber helpline number 1930 will automatically be converted into Zero FIRs if the reported loss exceeds Rs 10 lakh.

Traditionally, victims had to visit a police station to register an FIR, and jurisdiction conflicts often caused delays. The e-Zero FIR reverses this by digitally generating an FIR regardless of territorial limits. The FIR is initially registered at Delhi Police’s e-Crime Police Station and then transferred to the appropriate Cybercrime Police Station for further action.

This automatic conversion is made possible through integration between the NCRP, Delhi Police’s e-FIR system, and the National Crime Records Bureau’s Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS).

Why e-Zero FIR is important
The initiative addresses several long-standing challenges for victims of cyber financial fraud:
- Speed of action: Cyber fraud money often moves rapidly through multiple accounts. Delay in FIR registration reduces chances of freezing and recovering funds. Automatic FIR generation reduces this gap.
- Eliminates jurisdiction barriers: Since cybercrimes often span states, victims no longer have to navigate which police station to approach. Zero FIR ensures immediate registration, regardless of location.
- Victim convenience: Many victims struggle to get FIRs filed due to procedural complexities. The system ensures registration without physical visits, except for converting the Zero FIR into a regular FIR within three days.
- Better enforcement under new criminal laws: The process is aligned with new provisions of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), enabling fully digital FIR workflows for specific cybercrimes.

How it will help solve cybercrime
The e-Zero FIR system enables faster investigation and better coordination between central and state cybercrime authorities. With automatic FIRs above the Rs 10 lakh threshold, investigators can begin tracing digital transactions within minutes.

It also improves the conversion rate of complaints into FIRs—one of the biggest bottlenecks in cybercrime redressal. Higher FIR registration means more cases enter the legal system, increasing chances of punitive action against cybercriminals.

The pilot will run in Delhi first, after which the system will be extended to other states and Union Territories. Over time, the initiative is expected to strengthen India’s national cybersecurity grid and significantly enhance the response to financial cybercrimes.