MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. The total damage from cyber-fraud climbed above 200 bln rubles ($2.22 bln) last year, while the clear-up rate for such crimes dropped to 23%, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the meeting of the Board of the Russian Interior Ministry.

"I ask to pay extra attention to clearance of crimes committed with the use of information technologies. Especially that their number increased last year and the damage was above 200 bln rubles. Meanwhile, retirees account for a quarter of deceived and affected people," Putin said.

"The clear-up rate of such crimes regrettable declined also and was about 23%," the head of state added.