NEW DELHI: Delhi Police has uncovered an alleged sextortion racket that cheated a gurdwara sewadar of ₹14.63 lakh by threatening him with arrest after sending him an obscene video on WhatsApp.
According to police, four accused allegedly posed as law enforcement personnel and social media representatives to intimidate the victim into transferring money. The fraud reportedly took place between September 11 and 27, 2025, when the sewadar made payments from his own bank account and that of his nephew.
The accused allegedly claimed that a criminal case had been registered against the victim, using the threat of legal action to pressure him into paying the demanded amounts. The case highlights how cybercriminals exploit fear of public embarrassment and police action to extort money from unsuspecting individuals.
During the investigation, police followed the financial trail through several bank accounts in Rajasthan and Punjab. Investigators traced ₹1.80 lakh to an account linked to Ankit Sain, while more than ₹4 lakh was reportedly routed through accounts held by Mohammad Shariq Khan. Another ₹1 lakh was traced to an account associated with Tasleem Raja.
Police allege that Khan played a role in facilitating the racket by arranging mule bank accounts, fake SIM cards and mobile phones. He also allegedly withdrew money on behalf of the syndicate.
The investigation has focused on identifying the individuals involved in the operation and examining how the money was moved through multiple accounts to facilitate the alleged fraud.
Sextortion scams frequently involve threats linked to explicit content, with fraudsters impersonating police officers or other officials to make their demands appear credible. Victims may be pressured into making repeated payments to avoid supposed legal consequences.
Police advise people receiving such threats to avoid transferring money, preserve digital evidence and report the incident to the authorities.
