A significant increase in cyber theft cases has been recorded in Armenia, according to the 2024 annual report by the Office of the Prosecutor General.

Specifically, while 630 such crimes were reported in 2023, the number has risen to 788 this year — an increase of 158 cases, or 25.1%. Furthermore, detection rates have also improved, growing from 1.7% last year to 2.5%, Armenpress reports.

More than half of the cases — 428, or 54.3% — were recorded in Yerevan, marking a 12.3% rise (47 additional cases) compared to the previous year.

The report highlights several reasons behind the spread of cyber theft, including the rapid development of digital technologies and software, the swift digitalization of financial services, the introduction of innovative solutions, and vulnerabilities in information and banking security systems. Additionally, many citizens are either unaware of banking card security rules or neglect them.

The Prosecutor’s Office emphasizes that criminal groups often exploit the fact that people unnecessarily share personal data, especially all details printed on their bank cards. Over recent years, the office has consistently conducted awareness campaigns to alert the public to these crimes and to urge strict adherence to security guidelines.

Most cyber thefts fall under multi-episode criminal cases. In 2024, one case sent to court included 7,882 episodes, another 1,404, and a third 712.