Hyderabad police have busted a honeypot gang that allegedly targeted children of affluent families through Instagram, using fake profiles to lure victims and extort money.
Investigators said the group created attractive social media accounts projecting a luxurious lifestyle in order to draw in victims.
Fake Profiles Used to Lure Victims
According to police, once contact was established, the gang allegedly engaged victims in physical relationships and secretly recorded the encounters. Officials said the recorded visuals were later used to blackmail the victims and extract money.
Police said the operation appeared to have been carried out with careful planning. The case has opened up a wider investigation into how the group identified and approached its targets.
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Domestic Workers Under Scanner
Investigators suspect domestic workers were also involved in the execution of the racket. Police said they may have helped identify and target children from well-off families as part of the operation.
Authorities have arrested members of the gang and begun a detailed probe into the extent of the racket. Officials are examining the number of victims and the financial transactions linked to the alleged extortion.
Probe Continues as More Arrests Possible
Police said further arrests and disclosures are likely as the investigation progresses. The inquiry is expected to focus on the broader network behind the operation and the roles played by those suspected of assisting the gang.
Officials have not disclosed additional details in the material available, but said the probe is continuing into the full scale of the racket.
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.
