Delhi Police Arrest Man for Alleged Dating App Scam Targeting 500 Women
Delhi Police have made a significant arrest in a major cyber fraud case, apprehending a man accused of cheating more than 500 women across India of approximately Rs 2 crore through dating and matrimonial applications. The arrest was confirmed by officials on Thursday, highlighting a sophisticated operation that exploited emotional vulnerabilities.
Accused Used Multiple Fake Identities to Gain Trust
According to the Cyber Police of the South-West District, the arrested individual, identified as Anand Kumar from West Bengal, had been actively involved in honey-trapping, romance scams, and blackmail schemes for an extended period. Police investigations revealed that Kumar created numerous fake social media profiles, assuming various professional guises including a doctor, businessman, and film producer to establish credibility and win the confidence of his targets.
The modus operandi involved developing deep emotional connections with victims by promising love and marriage, followed by fabricated stories designed to extract money. These narratives typically included medical emergencies, sudden business losses, or other urgent financial needs that required immediate assistance from the women he had ensnared.
Blackmail Threats Added to Victims' Distress
In several instances, the situation escalated beyond financial fraud. Kumar allegedly resorted to blackmail, threatening to circulate private photographs and videos of the victims online if they did not comply with his demands. This added a layer of psychological trauma and fear, making it difficult for many victims to come forward initially.
Police stated that the accused systematically targeted over 500 women, amassing around ₹2 crore through his deceptive practices over time. The case came to light after one victim courageously reported a substantial loss of about ₹7 lakh, prompting a thorough investigation by cybercrime units.
Arrest and Recovery of Evidence
The breakthrough came through meticulous technical surveillance and digital tracking, leading to Kumar's arrest from the 24 Parganas area of West Bengal. During the operation, authorities recovered crucial evidence from his possession, including:
- Four mobile phones used in the scams
- Eight SIM cards facilitating multiple identities
- Various debit cards linked to fraudulent transactions
- Gold jewellery suspected to be purchased with illicit funds
This arrest underscores the growing threat of online romance scams and the importance of cybersecurity awareness. Delhi Police have urged the public to exercise caution when interacting with strangers on digital platforms and to report any suspicious activities immediately to prevent further victimization.
