Lucknow Police Cracks Down on Dating App Extortion Racket Targeting Men Nationwide
In a significant breakthrough, the Aliganj police in Lucknow have dismantled a sophisticated criminal gang that allegedly preyed on men using a gay dating application. The modus operandi involved luring victims to private locations, secretly filming them, and then blackmailing them for money through QR-code payments. This operation has exposed a pan-India network with links to multiple states across the country.
Arrests Made and Key Players Identified
Law enforcement authorities have successfully apprehended four adult members of the gang and taken a 17-year-old minor into custody. The minor is suspected of playing a pivotal role in enticing victims through the dating platform. However, two alleged masterminds behind this extensive operation remain at large, prompting an ongoing manhunt.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Khalid Ahmad (23), a resident of Shakti Nagar in Indira Nagar; Devkaran Singh (23) from Sarvodaya Nagar; Akash Pandey (21), originally from Azamgarh but currently living in Aliganj; and Subhash Rawat, also known as Golu (22), of Kurmanchal Nagar. The minor, who worked as a delivery boy, allegedly assisted in luring victims to the trap locations.
Detailed Modus Operandi of the Gang
According to police investigations, the gang meticulously executed their crimes through a well-rehearsed plan. A member would first establish contact with a target on a popular gay dating application, building rapport through extended chats. Once trust was established, the victim would be persuaded to meet at a private house or a rented room under the guise of a personal encounter.
As soon as the meeting commenced, other gang members would storm into the room upon receiving a pre-arranged signal. They would immediately start recording videos, creating compromising footage. The victims were then threatened with the viral dissemination of these videos on social media platforms and the filing of false police complaints unless they complied with monetary demands.
Additional DCP (north) Rishabh Runwal elaborated, "The accused would claim that the victim was attempting an inappropriate act with a minor, adding legal pressure to the extortion. Under duress, victims were forced to transfer funds via QR codes, while the gang also snatched cash, mobile phones, and other valuables before escaping."
Investigation and Evidence Recovery
The police action was initiated following a formal complaint lodged on March 15. The complainant reported that several men forcibly entered his residence, threatened him, coerced him into transferring money online, and absconded with his mobile phone and personal belongings. A joint team comprising the North Zone SWAT team, surveillance unit, and Aliganj police spearheaded the investigation.
After analyzing electronic evidence and conducting surveillance on suspicious individuals and vehicles, authorities received a crucial tip-off. Early on Sunday morning, around 5:50 am, the police team surrounded five suspects near the Sector-E dumping ground and made the arrests.
During the operation, law enforcement recovered four mobile phones, three motorcycles, and detailed online transaction records. These records indicate that victims transferred sums of ₹19,999 to the accused. The seized mobile phones will be sent to a forensic laboratory for comprehensive digital examination to uncover further evidence and identify additional victims.
Widespread Criminal Activities Across India
Investigations have revealed that this gang was not confined to Lucknow alone. They have been linked to similar criminal cases in various parts of Uttar Pradesh and several other states, including Delhi, West Bengal, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra. This highlights the extensive reach and organized nature of their operations.
During interrogations, the accused confessed to committing a comparable crime approximately two weeks prior, where they allegedly looted cash and a hard disk from another victim while forcing him to transfer money online. Police efforts are now focused on identifying more victims who may have been targeted by this gang and tracing the remaining fugitive members to ensure complete justice.
The successful bust underscores the growing threat of digital extortion and the importance of vigilance when engaging on online platforms. Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspicious activities and exercise caution in virtual interactions to prevent falling prey to such sophisticated scams.
