Fake Tinder Profiles, Staged Police Raids: How Honey-Trap Gang Extorted Men

The Delhi Police Crime Branch has busted an organized honey-trap and extortion racket that allegedly targeted men through fake profiles on dating apps such as Tinder and QuackQuack. Four accused have been arrested in connection with the case, while police teams are continuing searches for two other suspects linked to the gang. Authorities said the accused impersonated police officials and threatened victims with false criminal cases to extort large sums of money.

According to police, the operation was launched after the Crime Branch received specific intelligence inputs about a gang running fake police raids after trapping victims through social media and dating platforms. A special team under the supervision of senior Crime Branch officers laid a trap near Rajouri Garden on May 12 and intercepted a suspect vehicle. One accused, identified as Sushil Kumar, was arrested from the spot while allegedly wearing a fake police uniform.

During questioning, Sushil Kumar revealed the names of other gang members, including Deepak alias Sajan, Neeraj Tyagi alias Dhiru, Vinod Pandit, and Kirti. Police later arrested Deepak, Vinod, and Neeraj, while efforts are underway to trace two remaining accused identified as Gagan and Pooja alias Kirti. Investigators said the gang used fake female identities on dating apps to lure victims into meetings at public places before taking them to rented flats or isolated areas.

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Police said the accused would then stage fake police raids and threaten victims with fabricated rape allegations and criminal charges. In one case, a Delhi-based complainant told police he met a woman named “Kirti” through Tinder and was later taken to a flat in Janakpuri. There, four men allegedly threatened him and demanded Rs 15 lakh as a “settlement” amount. The victim was reportedly confined inside his own car and forced to arrange cash and withdraw money from ATMs.

Investigators said several of the accused were previously involved in similar cases. Police claimed Sushil Kumar worked as a property dealer and allegedly received a share of the extorted money for posing as a police officer during the fake raids. Deepak allegedly created fake female profiles online, while the other accused played supporting roles in the extortion scheme. The Delhi Police have now advised citizens to remain cautious while interacting with strangers on dating apps and social media platforms and urged people to report any suspicious activity immediately.

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