New Delhi, Jul 18: In a major breakthrough, Delhi Police have arrested the mastermind and three accomplices of a notorious sextortion racket that extorted Rs 35,000 from a local resident by blackmailing him with an obscene video. The operation, executed by cybercriminals operating across state lines, reveals a disturbing trend of digital exploitation and blackmail.
According to police officials, the victim was first approached on a dating app where the accused used fake profiles to lure unsuspecting individuals. The initial chat soon shifted to social media platforms, where the accused initiated a video call. During the call, a pre-recorded obscene video of a woman was played to manipulate the victim. As the victim was coaxed into undressing, the call was secretly recorded without his knowledge.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Prashant Gautam stated that after obtaining the footage, the fraudsters sent the video back to the victim and threatened to release it on social media if he did not pay Rs 35,000. Under pressure, the victim transferred the money to the bank account provided by the accused. However, when further demands were made, he filed a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), prompting a police investigation.
The arrested individuals include Armaan Khan, 21, identified as the kingpin of the operation, along with Mangal Singh, 31, Shyam Singh, 21, and Aasid Khan, 37. Mangal Singh and Shyam Singh were first apprehended in Delhi. Their interrogation led authorities to Armaan Khan, who was nabbed in Mewat, Rajasthan. Khan operated under multiple fake identities and used several mobile phones to interact with victims and store compromising footage. One of his devices contained the exact video used to blackmail the complainant, while another held a compilation of similar explicit videos of other victims.
Further investigation revealed that Aasid Khan played a crucial role in facilitating the financial aspect of the crime. He allegedly provided the payment scanner used to transfer the extorted funds into Mangal Singh’s bank account. The police are continuing their investigation and have urged the public to remain vigilant while interacting with unknown profiles on dating platforms and social media.
This incident highlights the growing menace of sextortion scams and the need for stronger cyber vigilance. Authorities are intensifying efforts to dismantle such networks and are encouraging victims to come forward and report similar crimes promptly.
