In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a resident of Kanpur has been swindled out of a staggering Rs 2.50 crore after being lured by promises of high returns, only to be threatened with defamation using AI-edited photographs. Acting on the orders of Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal, the Chakeri police station has registered an FIR against unidentified individuals.
The Elaborate Online Trap
The victim, identified as Rahul Kesarwani from Safipur First in the Chakeri police station area, fell into the trap in May 2025. He initially received a friend request from a woman on Facebook. The interaction later moved to WhatsApp, where he was added to a website under the guise of a trading and investment platform. Trusting the fraudsters' assurances of profit, Kesarwani began transferring money.
Between June 14 and December 9, 2025, he deposited the massive sum of Rs 2.50 crore in various instalments. The transactions were conducted through multiple digital payment channels, including UPI, NEFT, and RTGS. The fraudsters meticulously built his trust over this six-month period.
From Profit Promises to AI Blackmail Threats
The situation took a sinister turn when the victim asked for the returns on his investment. Instead of providing profits, the accused resorted to threats. They warned Kesarwani that they would defame him and his family by publicly posting morphed photographs. The criminals specifically mentioned using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to edit photos, adding a modern, terrifying dimension to the blackmail.
Fearing for his and his family's reputation, the victim approached the top police official in the city. He brought his complaint directly to Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal.
Police Action and Investigation
Taking serious note of the complaint, Commissioner Lal directed the local police to register a formal case. Consequently, an FIR was lodged at the Chakeri police station on Thursday. Station In-charge Ajay Prakash Mishra confirmed that the report has been registered under relevant sections of the Information Technology (IT) Act.
Mishra stated that a search for the unidentified fraudsters has been initiated. The police are investigating the case with the assistance of the cyber cell to trace the digital footprints and the money trail. The use of AI for blackmail presents a complex challenge for the investigators.
This alarming incident serves as a stark warning for the public about sophisticated online scams. Fraudsters are increasingly combining financial deception with psychological threats, leveraging technology like AI to intimidate victims into silence. Authorities urge citizens to exercise extreme caution with unsolicited investment offers on social media and to report any such threats immediately.
