In a significant breakthrough, Agra Police have busted a well-organised sextortion racket that used honey-trap tactics, hidden cameras and extortion to target unsuspecting victims. The Kamla Nagar Police have arrested Riaz, a UP Police constable posted in Kanpur, after his alleged involvement surfaced through WhatsApp chats recovered from the mobile phone of a woman already arrested in the case.
Following his interrogation, a local court remanded him to 14 days’ judicial custody. Police are now intensifying their search for a former Zila Panchayat member and other absconding associates linked to the network.
Missed Call, Hotel Trap, Obscene Video — The Modus Operandi of the Gang
According to investigators, the gang first initiated contact with potential victims through missed calls or social media interactions. Once initial trust was built, the victim would be invited to a hotel room, where hidden spy cameras and pre-set mobile devices were used to record compromising videos.
These videos then became the basis for blackmail, with the gang demanding large sums of money to avoid public exposure or legal consequences.
Police officials state that the network had been active for a long time and involved a young woman, her male accomplice, several local influencers, and—now confirmed—constable Riaz.
Constable Riaz’s Role: Identifying Wealthy Targets, Shielding the Gang
Riaz was arrested from Kanpur on Thursday following a coordinated operation by the Kamla Nagar Police.
- A forensic examination of the woman’s mobile phone revealed multiple WhatsApp chats in which Riaz:
- Suggested “high-value targets” to trap,
- Promised to use his official position to protect the gang,
- And advised the accused on how to intimidate victims or suppress complaints.
One chat specifically showed Riaz describing a man as a “big fish” and instructing the woman to ensnare him. This evidence confirmed his active role within the gang, according to Kamla Nagar Police officials.
Woman and Male Accomplice Already in Jail; Spy Camera App and Videos Seized
Earlier, police had arrested a young woman from Mainpuri and a man named Ganesh from Bah, both accused of luring a victim into a hotel room, filming an obscene video and demanding ₹4 lakh in extortion.
Their mobile phones yielded crucial evidence, including:
- A spy camera application,
- Three explicit videos,
- And chats related to multiple attempted extortion cases.
The digital trail and the victim’s testimony led investigators to the names of constable Riaz, former Zila Panchayat member Pravesh Bhardwaj, and an associate identified as Pravendra.
Known for Carrying a Carbine in His Car, Riaz’s Troubled Past Comes Under Lens
Sources within the police department revealed that Riaz already had a problematic reputation. While posted in Agra earlier, he was often seen:
- Driving around with a carbine inside his car,
- Moving in plain clothes instead of uniform,
- And allegedly participating in illegal collections and intimidation.
Despite several complaints, he reportedly escaped departmental action each time. His social circle included traders, lawyers, politicians and individuals with criminal backgrounds. He had also come under attention previously due to marital disputes.
Hunt for Absconding Accused Intensifies; Forensic Analysis Broadens the Net
Police teams are now conducting raids to trace the absconding former district panchayat member and other suspected participants in the network.
Digital forensics teams are analysing mobile data, location history, banking activity and communication logs to identify further links and uncover the full breadth of the operation.
Investigators believe the sextortion gang may be active across multiple districts and may include more officials from within the police department.
Police sources indicate that more arrests are likely soon.
