The Cyber Police Station of South-West District in the national capital Delhi has uncovered a case of cyber fraud and mobile theft operating through an online dating platform. Law enforcement officials have arrested two local residents, identified as 26-year-old Jyotsna and 21-year-old Mansi. According to police reports, the duo allegedly trapped a 67-year-old senior citizen through a fictitious online persona, stole his mobile device during a meeting, and illicitly siphoned substantial funds from his bank accounts. Authorities recovered 2 mobile phones from the suspects as further legal proceedings continue.
Fake Dating Profile and Honeytrap Scheme
Police investigations revealed that Jyotsna initially created a dating app profile using a false identity to target the senior citizen. After establishing contact and gaining the victim's confidence online, she incorporated her 21-year-old friend Mansi into the conspiracy. As part of the planned operation, Mansi posed as the actual individual represented in the dating app profile and agreed to meet the 67-year-old man in person. Investigation logs indicate that the suspects first met the victim on July 20 to build rapport before organizing a subsequent meeting.
Theft During Dinner Date and Unauthorized Transactions
On July 24, the suspects met the victim for dinner at a restaurant located in Defence Colony. During the meal, the two women managed to surreptitiously steal the senior citizen's mobile phone. Capitalizing on access to the device and linked financial applications, they transferred ₹1,30,000 across his bank accounts using UPI. To obscure the money trail, the fraudulently obtained funds were initially deposited into the bank account of one suspect before being transferred into the account of the second accomplice. Additionally, the suspects withdrew ₹90,000 in cash directly from an ATM.
CCTV Evidence and Technical Surveillance
Following a formal complaint from the victim, the South-West Cyber Police Station initiated an investigation analyzing banking trails, KYC documentation, and technical surveillance logs. Crucial progress was achieved when surveillance footage from an ATM captured both women physically withdrawing the cash. Armed with visual and banking evidence, police tracked down and detained both suspects. Under interrogation, the women disclosed their method of establishing contact through fake profiles and exchanging roles during personal meetings.
Destruction of Evidence and Recovery
Police stated that after completing the unauthorized transfers and cash withdrawals, the suspects deliberately destroyed the victim's stolen mobile phone in an attempt to eliminate forensic evidence. Despite these efforts, law enforcement officers apprehended both accused individuals and seized 2 mobile phones in their possession. South-West District Cyber Police are carrying out further investigations to examine whether the suspects were involved in similar fraudulent activities targeting other victims.
