Cybercrime in Nepal: A Growing Hidden Threat

Nepal Faces Growing Cybercrime Threat as Digital Use Expands

Nepal is quickly moving into the digital age. Internet access, mobile banking, and smartphones are becoming more common, bringing many benefits. But this progress also comes with a growing risk — cybercrime. What once felt like a faraway problem is now a serious issue affecting individuals, businesses, and institutions across the country.

From online scams and hacking to cyberbullying and extortion, digital threats are not only increasing in number but also becoming more advanced. Weak security, outdated laws, and lack of public awareness have left Nepal vulnerable.

Rise in Cybercrime Cases

In 2024 alone, Nepal Police’s Cyber Bureau received over 7,000 cybercrime complaints. Experts say the real number is likely much higher because many victims feel ashamed or scared to report what happened.

Cybercrime in Nepal is taking on more serious forms. In April 2025, a 20-year-old Nepali, Prasan Nepal, was arrested in the U.S. for leading a subgroup of a global cybercrime network called “764 Inferno.” The group was involved in online extortion and spreading harmful content. This shows how even young people from remote areas can be pulled into international cybercrime.

In another major case, Indian police uncovered a cybercrime ring based in Nepal and Cambodia. This group hacked into Indian bank accounts and stole large sums of money. Investigators found that many Nepalis were tricked or forced into helping with scams, especially those involving digital currencies.

Social media has also become a popular platform for scams. In 2023, a man in Pokhara hacked into someone’s Facebook and fooled the victim’s friend into sending him money. Cases like this show how easy it is to be tricked online.

One of the biggest data breaches in Nepal happened in 2020, when a 16-year-old hacker leaked personal data of 170,000 users from Vianet Communications. While no money was demanded, the incident showed how poorly some companies protect user data.

Cyber Harassment on the Rise

Online harassment is also becoming more common. In early 2025, a teenage girl in Kathmandu was blackmailed by an IT student who threatened to leak her private photos. Though the culprit was caught, the case highlighted the risks young people face online.

Why Cybercrime Is Growing

There are several reasons why cybercrime is rising in Nepal:

  • Low digital literacy – Many new internet users don’t know how to stay safe online.

  • Weak cybersecurity – Many organizations, especially in the public sector, lack strong protection systems.

  • Outdated laws – Nepal’s cyber laws haven’t kept up with new threats.

  • Limited enforcement – Police and investigators often lack the training and tools needed to deal with complex digital crimes.

What Needs to Be Done

Nepal must act quickly to stop cybercrime from getting worse. Here are some key steps:

  • Update laws to clearly define cybercrimes and apply stricter penalties.

  • Create a national cybersecurity authority to handle threats and coordinate responses.

  • Raise public awareness through digital literacy campaigns, especially for youth and rural areas.

  • Strengthen company security, especially in banks and internet service providers.

  • Train law enforcement to deal with digital evidence and track down cybercriminals.

Cybercrime is no longer hidden — it’s here and growing fast. But with stronger laws, better awareness, and teamwork between the government, private sector, and citizens, Nepal can build a safer digital future. The time to act is now — before it’s too late.

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