Gurugram | Gurugram Police have uncovered an alleged international cyber fraud network that targeted individuals through fake female profiles on social media platforms and emotionally manipulated victims into transferring money online. Three Nigerian nationals have been arrested in connection with the case for allegedly using Instagram and other platforms to befriend Indian citizens and later extort money through fabricated stories and emergencies.
The arrested accused have been identified as Chinedu, James Sunday and Jules Cacau. According to investigators, the arrests were made during the probe into a complaint registered last year by a man who claimed he had been cheated after interacting with a woman on Instagram. The complainant alleged that the woman later claimed she urgently needed money at Mumbai airport for registration charges and other formalities. Trusting the claims, the victim reportedly transferred around ₹69,900 in multiple instalments before realising he had been defrauded.
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During the investigation, police tracked the accused through digital transaction records and technical surveillance. Raids conducted by the authorities led to the seizure of 19 mobile phones, one laptop and 18 Indian and international SIM cards. Investigators believe these devices were being used to operate fake social media accounts, communicate with victims and coordinate the alleged fraud activities.
Preliminary findings revealed that the accused allegedly created attractive female profiles on social media platforms using photographs of foreign models and women to lure unsuspecting users. Through these fake identities, they initiated conversations with Indian citizens and gradually attempted to build emotional relationships. In several cases, the accused reportedly posed as foreign women travelling to India, business professionals or models to gain the victims’ trust.
According to investigators, once the victims became emotionally involved, they were asked to transfer money under various pretexts such as airport clearance charges, registration fees, customs duties, hotel bookings or medical emergencies. In some cases, victims were also sent forged travel documents, fake airline tickets and fabricated identity cards to make the story appear genuine and convincing.
Police suspect that multiple individuals across different states may have been targeted using a similar modus operandi. Authorities are now analysing digital evidence and communication records to identify additional victims and possible associates linked to the alleged cyber fraud network.
The investigation has also revealed that some of the accused allegedly entered India illegally through Bangladesh, while others were staying in the country on study visas. Authorities have initiated action under the Passport Act and the Foreigners Act as part of the ongoing probe. Officials said the travel records, immigration details and foreign connections of the accused are being examined to determine the scale of the operation and possible international links.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh stated that such “social media romance scams” rely heavily on emotional manipulation and psychological pressure. According to him, fraudsters first establish trust and emotional attachment before inventing emergencies or travel-related situations to seek money from victims. He warned that many people transfer funds without proper verification because they become emotionally invested in the fabricated online relationship.
Police have advised citizens not to trust unknown profiles on social media platforms blindly and to avoid financial transactions in online relationships without proper verification. Authorities also urged the public to remain cautious if anyone seeks money in the name of airport clearance, customs charges, hotel bookings or emergency situations.
The investigation in the case is continuing, and officials said efforts are underway to identify other individuals connected to the network as well as possible victims who may have been targeted through similar fraudulent tactics.
