Delhi Police Arrest Three in Sextortion Cyber Fraud Case

The Cyber Cell of Delhi Police has arrested three men for allegedly running a sextortion-based cyber fraud operation that targeted a Delhi resident and extorted nearly ₹5.80 lakh through threats and blackmail.

The accused, identified as Rajesh (18), Kunal (22), and Imran (23), are residents of Faridabad, Haryana. Police said the arrests were made during an investigation into an online blackmail case registered at the Cyber Police Station of Delhi’s North-East district.

Victim Allegedly Blackmailed After Video Call

According to police, the case was registered through e-FIR No. 00126/2026 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to cheating, extortion, and identity-related offences.

The investigation began after the complainant, identified as K.L. Tripathi, approached police alleging that he was trapped in a sextortion scam.

Police said the victim received a WhatsApp video call on May 6 from an unknown woman who allegedly claimed to be a social media acquaintance. During the conversation, the woman reportedly convinced him to remove his clothes, after which an objectionable video was allegedly recorded without his consent.

Soon afterward, the victim allegedly received calls from multiple unknown numbers. The callers claimed to represent law enforcement agencies, social media platforms, and government departments, threatening to make the video public and take legal action unless money was paid.

Under pressure and fear, the victim transferred approximately ₹5.80 lakh through multiple bank accounts, UPI transactions, and QR codes, police said.

Financial Trail Helped Investigators Identify Accused

Following the complaint, Delhi Police formed a specialized cyber investigation team to examine digital evidence and trace the movement of funds.

During the probe, investigators tracked portions of the transferred money to bank accounts allegedly linked to Rajesh and Kunal.

Rajesh was arrested on June 17 after police analysis of financial records. Further investigation and questioning reportedly helped officers identify Kunal’s role, leading to his arrest.

Police later identified Imran as another alleged participant in the operation. Investigators claimed he was involved in withdrawing the fraud proceeds through ATMs. A mobile phone and SIM card allegedly connected to the crime were recovered from him.

Possible Links to Larger Sextortion Network Under Investigation

During questioning, the accused allegedly revealed links with an organized sextortion network operating in the Mewat region of Rajasthan, according to police officials.

Authorities are now investigating whether other individuals were involved in the alleged network and whether the accused may have targeted additional victims using a similar method.

Police said no previous criminal cases have been found against the three arrested individuals so far. However, their digital activity, financial records, and possible connections to other cybercrime incidents are being examined.

Police Issue Cyber Safety Advisory

Delhi Police has advised citizens to remain cautious while accepting video calls from unknown individuals, especially those involving suspicious requests or attempts to record private conversations.

Officials urged people facing online blackmail or threats involving personal images and videos to immediately report the matter to law enforcement agencies instead of making payments to fraudsters.

The investigation is ongoing, and police are working to identify other possible members of the alleged cybercrime network.