Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The Cybercrime Police, Hyderabad have arrested three individuals involved in a sophisticated cyber extortion scam amounting to Rs 48.38 lakh.

The arrested persons were identified as Aman Joshi, resident of Ramkoti, Hyderabad, Prashanth, resident of Shahinayathgunj, Hyderabad and Rohit Sharma, resident of Panduranganagar, Hyderabad. These individuals conspired to defraud the victim by impersonating police officers, emotionally manipulating her, and extorting significant amounts of money.

On August 22, 2024, the Cybercrime police received a complaint from a female victim, a resident of Hyderabad, who reported that she had been targeted by Aman Joshi, whom she initially met on Snapchat. Over time, Aman borrowed Rs 15,000 from her but failed to repay.

Following this, fake police impersonators contacted her, falsely accusing her of possessing illegal gold linked to Aman Joshi. The accused threatened the victim with arrest, demanding Rs 1.60 lakh for bail, which was later increased to Rs 2 lakh. The victim, fearing for her career and reputation, transferred funds to the accused under duress.

The extortion continued, and the victim, emotionally distressed, attempted suicide. She ultimately suffered a financial loss totaling Rs 48.38 lakh. A case was registered in Cr. No. 3041/2024 under relevant sections of the IT Act and BNS at the Cybercrime Police Station, Hyderabad, and investigated into.

Police have seized three mobile phones, five various banks cheque books, five debit and one credit cards and three SIM cards from the arrested persons.