Dhanbad: In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, the cyber police have arrested four individuals, including one man and three women, for allegedly operating a sextortion racket. The gang was targeting victims through obscene WhatsApp chats and secretly recorded videos, using them to extort money.
Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Cyber DSP Sanjeev Kumar raided a house in the Rajendra Market area under Bank More police station, following the directives of SSP HP Janardhanan. During the raid, Manish Kumar alias Monty Bhaiya, believed to be the mastermind, was caught red-handed along with his three female accomplices while committing cyber fraud.
Investigations revealed that Manish was running a fake call center as a front for the operation. The gang lured individuals into explicit conversations and recorded compromising videos to blackmail victims. Several women were involved in the scam, including Manish’s second wife, who allegedly managed the SIM cards, distributed money, maintained accounts, and recruited other women. She is currently absconding.
A total of 18 mobile phones, including 14 used for the operation, and SIM cards with reflective plating, were recovered. Notably, one Punjab resident was duped of ₹40,000 through one of the seized numbers.
Manish, a resident of Purana Bazar, Dari Mohalla, reportedly kept 50% of the extorted amount, while the women involved received the remaining half for their daily work.
The cyber police are continuing their investigation to trace other members of the network and bring them to justice.
Such criminals should not get bail