Kanpur Woman Blackmailed in Digital Arrest Scam, Forced into Prostitution
In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a woman in Kanpur was allegedly blackmailed through a digital arrest-style scam, forced into prostitution, and extorted of approximately Rs 15 lakh over the past two years, police reported on Sunday. Based on the victim's detailed complaint, authorities have registered a case against unidentified accused, including a woman, and initiated a thorough investigation into the matter.
How the Digital Harassment Began
The victim recounted to police that in 2023, she first received unsolicited messages from a fake Instagram account, which marked the beginning of their interaction. The situation escalated dramatically in 2024 when another fraudulent account contacted her, claiming to possess her private photographs and threatening to make them publicly available unless she complied with monetary demands.
Initially, the cyber criminals demanded small amounts ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 300, which the victim paid out of sheer fear and anxiety. Over time, these demands intensified significantly, with the accused allegedly requiring thousands of rupees every single month. The fraudsters instructed her to transfer money to a specific bank account held in a woman's name, creating a trail of financial exploitation.
Escalation of Threats and Coercion
The victim further alleged that the accused used a fake digital identity to post the mobile numbers of her relatives, family members, and teachers on various online platforms. They threatened to circulate her private photos to all these contacts if she ever stopped making payments. In a particularly distressing development, she also claimed the accused threatened to kill her younger brother, adding a layer of physical danger to the psychological torment.
Fearing public shame and potential violence, the woman sold her personal jewelry, including a gold ring, earrings, and jhumkas, transferring Rs 45,000 to the specified account. When she completely exhausted all her financial resources, the accused allegedly forced her into prostitution to continue generating payments, marking a horrifying transition from digital blackmail to physical exploitation.
Massive Financial Loss and Investigation Status
According to the victim's statement, from 2024 until the present, she transferred approximately Rs 15 lakh to the fraudsters. These transactions were conducted partly from her own bank account and partly through internet cafes, indicating the perpetrators' sophisticated methods to obscure financial trails.
Kalyanpur Inspector Santosh Singh confirmed that a formal case has been registered under relevant sections of the law. Investigations are currently underway based on the substantial evidence provided by the victim, including transaction records and digital communications. Police are examining bank account details and online activity patterns to identify and apprehend the culprits behind this elaborate cyber crime operation.
