The Kanpur crime branch has dismantled a fraudulent matrimonial company operating through three call centres in Kidwainagar and Naubasta, detaining 24 individuals, including 23 women and one man. The raid, conducted late Tuesday night, uncovered a sophisticated scheme where AI tools were used to generate fake profiles of prospective brides.
Modus Operandi of the Gang
According to police, the accused would create fictitious profiles using artificial intelligence and contact victims through social media or matrimonial advertisements. Posing as employees of a matrimonial company, they would promise suitable matches. In many instances, the same AI-generated photograph was sent to multiple individuals. Once the marriage discussions progressed, the operators demanded money under various pretexts, including registration fees, profile verification, meetings, and dowry.
Mastermind and Financial Trail
The alleged mastermind, Ranjeesh Kumar Gaur, hails from Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. Police commissioner Raghubir Lal stated that investigations revealed 11 bank accounts linked to the racket, showing transactions totaling Rs 41 lakh. The call centres operated from three houses in Naubasta and Kidwainagar, where the women employees identified and contacted potential victims.
During the raid, authorities seized mobile phones, computers, documents, and hundreds of SIM cards. Preliminary investigations indicate that the gang was active in Unnao, Fatehpur, Kanpur Dehat, and Kannauj districts, as well as in other states. The detained individuals are being interrogated regarding the gang's bank accounts, financial transactions, and other connections within the network.
