Gurgaon Retiree Loses Rs 6.3 Crore in Sophisticated Four-Year Cyber Extortion Racket
In a shocking case that highlights the growing sophistication of online fraud, a 58-year-old retired professional from Gurgaon's Sector 54 has allegedly been swindled out of a staggering Rs 6.3 crore over a span of four years. The elaborate scam involved hundreds of transactions orchestrated by what appears to be a well-organized cybercrime syndicate operating across multiple fronts.
A Web of Deception and Intimidation
The victim reported being systematically threatened by fraudsters who posed as airline crew members, lawyers, and police officials. These criminals employed a disturbing array of tactics including forged documents and deepfake images to create what he described as a vicious circle of fear designed to extract money continuously.
An FIR has been registered at the Sector 53 police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 308(2) for extortion
- Section 316(2) for criminal breach of trust
- Section 351(2) for criminal intimidation
- Section 356(2) for defamation
- Section 61 for criminal conspiracy
The Beginning of a Four-Year Nightmare
The complainant's ordeal reportedly began in May 2021 when he connected with a woman named Kim, who also used the alias Prianka Sangm, on Facebook. She presented herself as an air hostess with Dubai-based Emirates Airlines and went to great lengths to appear genuine.
"She shared photographs from inside aircraft and personal images to strengthen her false identity," the victim stated in his complaint. As their online relationship developed, they exchanged numerous photos, with Kim urging him to share images of himself, his home, and his daily life.
From Friendship to Blackmail
Unbeknownst to the victim, these personal images would become tools for blackmail. Soon after establishing trust, Kim began demanding money while sending him morphed images, forged chat screenshots, and explicit content. She threatened to circulate these materials publicly if payments weren't made promptly.
The intimidation tactics escalated with threats to contact his family members, colleagues, and business associates. "They would send messages from different numbers if I used to block any of the previous numbers," the victim revealed. "I did not realise it was a scam until others started blackmailing me too."
Expanding Network of Fraudsters
As the extortion scheme progressed, additional individuals entered the picture, each playing a specific role:
- Yankee Sangma - Posed as Kim's brother
- Leena Sangma - Claimed to be an advocate practicing in Meghalaya
- Karan Varma - Introduced himself as a police officer attached to the Meghalaya chief minister's security
The victim was repeatedly promised that his money would be returned, with the fraudsters citing various reasons including pilot training fees, medical emergencies, surgeries, pregnancy-related complications, business ventures, insurance claims, and treatment for a premature child.
Systematic Financial Drain and Escalating Threats
The criminals employed sophisticated financial tactics, frequently changing bank accounts and demanding payments in urgent tranches, often accompanied by threats of immediate public humiliation. When payments eventually stopped, the accused allegedly escalated their intimidation campaign.
They began contacting the complainant's wife, son, and acquaintances through social media platforms, issuing warnings about false criminal cases and public defamation. In one particularly disturbing instance, a message was sent claiming that one of the accused had committed suicide, with threats of implicating the complainant in the matter.
Severe Psychological and Physical Consequences
The constant fear and pressure took a devastating toll on the victim's health. He reported suffering severe psychological and physical distress, including a brain stroke and paralysis. He continues to battle chronic health conditions resulting from the prolonged stress.
"Pressure and intimidation led to suicidal thoughts," the victim disclosed, explaining that this ultimately prompted him to approach the police after taking his family into confidence about the situation.
Police Investigation Underway
Officials have confirmed that efforts are currently underway to trace the accused and identify the full network behind this extensive operation. Bank accounts linked to the case are being examined for possible money laundering activities, suggesting the scale and sophistication of the criminal enterprise involved.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of cybercrime in India, where criminals are increasingly using advanced technologies like deepfakes and coordinated multi-person schemes to exploit victims over extended periods.
