In a case that has shocked both law enforcement and cybercrime experts, a Lucknow-born man, now an Australian citizen, was arrested at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for allegedly defrauding a Pune-based woman of ₹3.6 crore under the pretense of marriage and startup investments. The man, identified as Abhishek Shukla, had been on the run for months and was caught upon his arrival from Singapore.
A Promise of Marriage and Dreams of a Business
According to Pune Cyber Police, Shukla created a fake profile under the name “Dr Rohit Oberoi”, claiming to be a doctor settled in Perth, Australia. He met the 40-year-old woman from Kharadi, Pune — a divorcee — through a matrimonial website in 2023.
Over the next several months, Shukla allegedly built an emotional connection with the woman, gaining her trust and proposing marriage. Simultaneously, he floated an idea of launching a healthcare startup in India and overseas. Promising quick profits and a secure future together, he convinced her to invest money in the so-called business.
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A Well-Planned Fraud That Left a Trail of Lies
The victim, who had received an alimony of ₹5 crore after her divorce, began transferring funds into multiple bank accounts provided by Shukla. In total, she sent ₹3.6 crore over several months.
Once he had received the funds, Shukla gradually distanced himself. He sent messages claiming he was ill and later went to the extent of sending an email from a fictitious address declaring his own death. The woman grew suspicious when she failed to reach him or receive any updates about the business.
Months of Investigation Lead to a Breakthrough
The Pune woman filed a complaint in November 2024, and the cybercrime team launched a thorough investigation. They discovered that Shukla had used forged documents and dummy social media accounts. Notably, he had interacted with over 3,194 women on the matrimonial site, suggesting multiple potential victims across different cities and countries.
A Lookout Circular (LOC) was issued, and Indian authorities tracked his movements with assistance from international agencies. Shukla was finally arrested at Mumbai Airport when he arrived from Singapore on June 25, 2025.
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A Growing Trend in Digital Matrimonial Frauds
This incident highlights the growing menace of cyber-enabled romance and matrimonial frauds, where emotional manipulation is used to exploit victims financially. Experts warn that such crimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often involving fake online identities, foreign bank accounts, and fabricated personal stories.
Pune Police officials confirmed that Shukla is currently in custody until June 29 and that efforts are underway to identify other victims he may have conned. Authorities have also advised users of matrimonial and dating platforms to be wary of unsolicited investment offers and emotional manipulation tactics.