The government has decided to bring cyber crimes under the ambit of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) in a major move aimed at curbing online offenses.
According to a notification, the powers of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) have been expanded, enabling it to take action against cyber terrorism, electronic fraud, child pornography, online grooming, and misuse of identity data.
Spreading false or misleading information on social media will now also be punishable under the AMLA. Authorities said income generated through disinformation campaigns on digital platforms will be investigated under the same law.
The agency will also probe cases involving unauthorized SIM issuance, child exploitation, abduction, smuggling, or trafficking where information systems are misused.
Officials from the Interior Ministry said the amendments are aimed at strengthening the legal framework to prevent cyber crimes and ensure timely, effective action.
