In an alarming cross border cyber fraud case, an Italian woman named Paola Bartolini traveled all the way from Italy to Gurugram to lodge a criminal complaint against a local resident who allegedly swindled 1,000 euros from her under the pretext of love. According to the complaint, the man feigned affection, promised to marry her, and subsequently severed all channels of communication as soon as the funds were transferred into his account.
Slow Response in Italy Prompted Journey to India
The victim explained that she had initially approached law enforcement authorities in Italy to report the swindle. However, the legal process in her home country failed to produce timely results, primarily because cross border inquiries require extensive diplomatic and bureaucratic coordination between two sovereign governments. Paola Bartolini also highlighted that such digital frauds and romantic cons are frequently underestimated in Italy, despite being deeply harmful and serious criminal offenses. Frustrated by the lack of swift administrative intervention, she boarded a flight to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and headed straight to the Gurugram cyber police department.
Meeting with Cyber ACP and Multi-layered Allegations
Upon reaching the station, Bartolini met Assistant Commissioner of Police Gaurav Phogat, presenting a detailed breakdown of the entire ordeal. The cyber unit registered a case without delay based on her testimony. She also shared an account of her meeting on the official social media page of the Gurugram Police, detailing the extent of the alleged malpractices.
Her formal complaint encompasses multiple violations beyond basic deceit. She alleged that the perpetrator, who resides in Gurugram, orchestrated an international fraud involving non-resident Indian bank accounts in direct contravention of the Foreign Exchange Management Act. The complaint further accuses the individual of running romance schemes, promoting illicit narcotics on Instagram, and deploying deceptive email campaigns designed to drain unsuspecting victims of their savings.
Praise for Cyber Police and Ongoing Investigation
Bartolini noted that her decision to make the journey materialized after an initial conversation with ACP Gaurav Phogat. She expressed deep appreciation for the prompt assistance and courteous conduct of the investigative unit, describing the entire cyber team as exceptionally helpful and professional. She stated that she is eagerly awaiting the apprehension of the suspect and remains fully committed to assisting investigators throughout the legal proceedings.
Assuring a prompt resolution, the senior police administration reiterated that complaints from both domestic and foreign nationals are pursued with utmost seriousness. ACP Phogat affirmed that technical surveillance and financial tracking of the involved bank accounts have already been initiated, and the suspect will be apprehended soon.
