Hyderabad, May 2: The Jubilee Hills Police have busted a cyber fraud and blackmail racket that allegedly targeted young women through Instagram, extorting lakhs of rupees by exploiting trust and personal data.
How the Gang Operated
- The accused, identified as Arjun alias Azad and his brother Rajiv, projected a luxurious lifestyle on Instagram
- They posted photos with expensive cars, branded clothes, and parties to appear wealthy
- Targeted women in upscale areas like Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills
- Sent friend requests and built trust through conversations and a fake romantic relationship
The Blackmail Trap
- After gaining trust, they:
- Collected personal photos, videos, and sensitive information
- Borrowed small amounts of money initially
- Later turned to threats and extortion
Victims were threatened:
“Pay money or your photos will be leaked to social media or family”
Scale of Fraud
- At least 10+ young women were reportedly targeted
- One victim, daughter of a businessman, lost ₹13 lakh
- Money was used to:
- Buy cars
- Purchase gold
- Fund further frauds
Police Action
- Main accused Arjun was arrested earlier
- His brother Rajiv was tracked and arrested in Bengaluru
- Police suspect a larger gang of around 10 members
- Search is ongoing for other absconding accused
Advisory from Police
Authorities have urged citizens to:
- Be cautious of fake luxury profiles on social media
- Avoid sharing personal photos or private details with strangers
- Report blackmail or suspicious activity immediately to police
This case highlights the growing misuse of social media platforms for emotional manipulation and financial exploitation, especially targeting vulnerable individuals.
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