New Delhi, A 35-year-old man, Anand Kumar, has been arrested for allegedly running an organised network of romance scams, honey-trapping and online blackmail targeting women through dating and matrimonial platforms.
Kumar used multiple fake identities on various social media platforms as well as on dating and matrimonial applications to approach unsuspecting women.
He would present himself as a well-settled professional with an impressive background, often claiming to be a doctor, businessman or film producer to gain credibility and attract victims.
Once he gained the victims' confidence, Kumar would introduce fabricated narratives, including urgent medical emergencies, business losses, family crises or financial setbacks, to solicit money.
Police said Kumar operated with a 'high level of sophistication', using multiple mobile phones and SIM cards obtained under different identities.
During interrogation and examination of his devices, police found that he was simultaneously operating numerous fake identities and communicating with victims across multiple states.
Technical analysis revealed that the accused had targeted more than 500 women and cheated or extorted approximately ₹2 crore.
