New Delhi: A 34-year-old researcher from AIIMS thought he had finally found happiness when he matched with a foreign woman on a dating app. Over the next few weeks, the two grew closer, chatting daily and sharing personal details. What he did not know, however, was that his supposed “dreamgirl” was, in fact, a seasoned cybercriminal running an international con.
According to the Delhi Police Cyber Cell, the “woman” was actually 38-year-old Ugandan national Michael Iga, who created fake online profiles using photos of foreign women to defraud unsuspecting victims.
Tricked with a Fake Oil Trade Scheme
Police said Iga introduced himself as an employee of a beauty products company and offered the victim an investment opportunity in the “oil trade.” He claimed that a rare essential oil could be purchased from Assam for ₹2 lakh per litre and sold in the market for ₹3.5 lakh per litre.
Lured by the promise of high profits, the AIIMS researcher transferred ₹1.90 lakh to Iga’s account. Soon after receiving the money, the so-called “woman” disappeared and cut off all contact.
Ugandan Fraudster Arrested from Burari
After receiving the complaint, Delhi Police launched an investigation and tracked the suspect through his email and mobile number. His location was traced to Burari in North Delhi, where the cyber team arrested him.
Investigators revealed that Iga was staying illegally in India and operating multiple fake identities online to target people on social and dating platforms.
200 Premises Raided, Links to 14 Fraud Cases Found
During the investigation, police conducted raids across more than 200 apartments in Delhi-NCR. Digital forensics of Iga’s devices revealed his involvement in at least 14 different cyber fraud cases, many of which followed the same pattern of romance scams and fake investment offers.
Authorities said he used foreign IPs and VPNs to conceal his online activity and avoid detection while managing his fraud network.
Confession and Embassy Notification
Police said the accused confessed to his crimes during interrogation. The Ugandan Embassy has been informed about his arrest, and efforts are underway to identify other members of his network.
The Cyber Cell has urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal or financial information with strangers online, especially on dating or investment platforms.
