Obscene Calls, App, Rs 1-Crore Trail: Delhi Cops Bust Sextortion Racket

Delhi Police have busted an alleged cyber-fraud syndicate operating a sextortion and blackmail racket, resulting in the arrest of four individuals. The syndicate allegedly targeted individuals using obscene video calls, impersonated law enforcement officials and YouTube representatives, and threatened online exposure and legal action to extort money. Investigators have uncovered suspected links between the syndicate and fifteen cyber-fraud complaints across multiple states.

In a primary case investigated by the police, a gurudwara sewadar was allegedly duped of more than fourteen lakh rupees. The victim received an obscene video on WhatsApp and was subsequently contacted by fraudsters posing as police and platform representatives. Fearing arrest and public humiliation, the victim and his nephew transferred funds through multiple transactions over a period of weeks before realizing they had been cheated and approaching cyber authorities.

According to investigators, the gang used a mobile application to search for potential targets by entering mobile numbers and locating adjoining contacts. They utilized pre-recorded obscene videos during WhatsApp calls to trap victims, recorded the interactions, and used threats to force repeated payments. Police traced portions of the extorted funds through various bank accounts and are examining the wider financial network and the roles of other suspected participants.

Not yet reported: The articles do not specify the total overall amount extorted across all fifteen linked complaints or the final court proceedings.