Raipur | Raipur Police have arrested 69-year-old Bingson John, an alleged conman accused of targeting more than 300 five-star hotels across India through fraud and theft. According to investigators, the Tamil Nadu resident had been using forged identities for nearly three decades to stay at luxury hotels, leave without paying bills, and, in several cases, allegedly steal valuable hotel property.
Police said the accused used his fluent English and convincing personality to present himself as a foreign tourist guide, an English professor, or a yoga instructor. By gaining the confidence of hotel staff, he was often able to secure accommodation without paying an advance. After staying for a few days, he would allegedly leave the hotel without settling the bill.
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The latest case came to light after the accused stayed for two days at a five-star hotel in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, and allegedly left without paying a bill of approximately ₹63,755. Police further alleged that he took away a hotel laptop worth around ₹1.48 lakh on the pretext of official work before fleeing. The hotel management subsequently lodged a complaint, prompting an investigation.
Raipur Police’s Anti-Crime and Cyber Unit tracked the suspect using mobile location analysis, technical evidence, and allegedly forged documents. Within approximately 72 hours, the accused was arrested in Bhubaneswar, and the stolen laptop was reportedly recovered from his possession.
During questioning, the accused allegedly stated that he had worked as a tourist guide in Delhi during the 1980s. He claimed that after being humiliated by staff at a five-star hotel, he decided to target luxury hotels. According to police, he was first arrested in 1996 and lodged in Tihar Jail, where he came into contact with notorious serial offender Charles Sobhraj. Investigators alleged that the accused admitted being influenced by Sobhraj’s methods and subsequently adopted the use of forged identities and disguises to carry out similar offences.
Police records indicate that Bingson John has previously been arrested in multiple cases and has spent nearly 15 years in prisons across different states. Authorities are also verifying his alleged involvement in criminal cases registered in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. He was reportedly arrested in 2022 in connection with a similar case involving a five-star hotel in Kerala.
The accused remains subject to judicial proceedings. Raipur Police are coordinating with law enforcement agencies in other states to verify his past criminal cases, identify additional victims, and determine whether he was linked to a broader criminal network. All allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
