Delhi Police have arrested a 35-year-old man accused of running a large cyber fraud and extortion operation through fake profiles on dating and matrimonial platforms, alleging that he cheated and blackmailed more than 500 women across India.
The accused, identified as Anand Kumar, a resident of North 24 Parganas in West Bengal, was apprehended by the Cyber Police Station of the South-West District and is alleged to have extorted around Rs 2 crore through emotional manipulation, false promises of marriage and threats to leak private content.
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How the alleged scheme operated
Police said Anand Kumar used multiple fake identities on platforms including WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and various dating and matrimonial applications. He posed as a doctor, producer, lawyer, businessman and other professionals to build trust with women before seeking money or exploiting private material shared during the exchanges.
Investigators said his method involved initiating conversations, cultivating emotional relationships over time and then citing emergencies or offering fake opportunities such as modelling assignments or admissions in reputed institutions. In several cases, police said, he allegedly collected private photos and videos from victims and later used them to blackmail and extort money by threatening to make the content public.
Complaint Led to Arrest and Technical Surveillance
The arrest followed the registration of an e-FIR based on a complaint by a woman who alleged she had been cheated of nearly Rs 7 lakh. According to the complaint, she met the accused on a dating application where he introduced himself as “Vaibhav Arora” and portrayed himself as a respectable and well-settled individual. After gaining her trust, he shifted communication first to Instagram and later to WhatsApp using multiple mobile numbers.
She alleged that he gradually built an emotional relationship with the complainant and promised marriage. He later introduced another fake identity named “Anand”, claiming this person was a close friend who would help arrange a family meeting. Police said he then fabricated stories about medical emergencies and business losses to seek financial help. When the woman repeatedly asked for her money back, he stopped responding and later falsely claimed that “Vaibhav” had died in an apparent attempt to cut off contact and evade detection.
Evidence Recovered and Wider Allegations
Police said a special team led by Sub-Inspector Priyanka, under the supervision of Inspector Pravesh Kaushik and ACP Sanghmitra, carried out technical analysis of digital evidence, including IP logs, mobile numbers and financial transactions, which led to surveillance in West Bengal and the accused’s arrest.
During the operation, officers recovered four mobile phones, eight SIM cards, three debit cards and gold jewellery, including bangles, bracelets and chains, which police alleged had been purchased using defrauded money.
Investigators said Anand Kumar operated several fake identities simultaneously, including names such as Vaibhav Arora, Dr Rohit Behl, Tarun, Anand Sharma and Shikha, while maintaining parallel conversations with victims in different states. Investigation discovered that he has two prior involvements in similar cybercrime cases registered in Delhi and Ghaziabad, and that a significant portion of the alleged proceeds was spent on online gaming and personal expenses. Further investigation is underway.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
