Shocking Revelation: ‘I am a CBI Officer, Case Filed Against You,’ Vadodara Businessman Falls Victim to Aditi’s Devious Game

In recent incidents, a lawyer in Vadodara received a call from an individual claiming to be Rakesh Asthana from the Delhi Crime Branch. The caller threatened the lawyer with a video that could tarnish his reputation and demanded a payment of ₹31,500 as a penalty, transferring the amount online. Investigations revealed that the caller was not Rakesh Asthana but someone using his name for sextortion.

Similarly, in Devbhoomi Dwarka district, five individuals filed complaints with the Cyber Crime Cell, reporting incidents of blackmail through nude video calls. Subsequently, the Cyber Crime team initiated investigations, uncovering the use of bogus SIM cards in such calls, with the traces leading back to Vadodara. As a result, the Cyber Crime unit arrested an individual in Vadodara involved in selling bogus SIM cards, aiding in curbing such cyber extortion activities.

Beware of Online Scams: The Case of Aditi Agrawal

In December 2023, a businessman from Vadodara fell victim to a nude call scam initiated by a friend request purportedly sent by Aditi Agrawal. After accepting the friend request on Facebook, the businessman engaged in conversations with a young woman via Facebook Messenger. The woman requested the businessman’s mobile number during their chat, to which he complied. 

Subsequently, messages were received on WhatsApp from Aditi Agrawal’s name on the businessman’s mobile number. Further communication then continued between them via WhatsApp. This incident highlights the importance of being cautious and vigilant while interacting online, as scammers often exploit social media platforms for fraudulent activities.

Beware of Online Blackmail: Businessman Targeted in Nude Video Scam

A businessman encountered a distressing situation when a young woman initiated a video call request, purportedly for a conversation. However, instead of engaging in video chat, the woman contacted him via WhatsApp. During the video call, an unknown girl appeared nude in front of the businessman. The woman recorded the screen of the mobile, capturing the indecent video call and later sent it to the businessman’s WhatsApp number. Subsequently, the businessman received threats of blackmail, demanding money in exchange for not circulating the explicit video on social media. 

Under the pretext of deleting the video, the businessman was coerced into paying a staggering sum of ₹3.33 lakhs within the same day. This incident underscores the risks associated with online interactions and the importance of exercising caution while engaging in virtual communication.

Fraudulent Call from Impersonator Posing as a CBI Officer Leads to Arrest

A distressing incident unfolded when an individual received a call claiming, “I am speaking with a CBI officer from Delhi.” Subsequently, the recipient received a WhatsApp call from an unknown number, where a person conversing in Hindi declared, “I am a CBI officer from Delhi, and there is a case against you. You must settle the case, or face consequences.” This alarming communication escalated into blackmail and harassment, demanding money. 

Consequently, a complaint was lodged at the Vadodara Cyber Crime Police Station. The Cyber Crime Police swiftly apprehended two suspects involved in the case, highlighting the perils of online impersonation and fraud.

Lawyer Victimized by Nude Video Blackmail

In another disturbing incident, a lawyer from Vadodara fell prey to a nude video scam. Around eight in the evening, the lawyer received a WhatsApp video call from an unfamiliar number, displaying the name “Neetu Kumari.” During the call, the lawyer encountered a young woman in a nude state, who instructed him to keep the video call running. Sensing trouble, the lawyer recorded the video call and subsequently reported the matter to the authorities. 

The woman demanded money and threatened to make the video go viral. Consequently, the lawyer blocked the woman’s mobile number to prevent further harassment and exploitation. This incident underscores the risks of digital manipulation and blackmail in today’s interconnected world.

Impersonating Authorities for Extortion

A lawyer received a call from an unknown number claiming to be from the Delhi Crime Branch, introducing himself as Rakesh Asthana. The caller informed the lawyer that he possessed a compromising video of him and threatened to tarnish his reputation unless he complied with their demands. Allegedly, the caller, posing as Rakesh Asthana, mentioned that the lawyer’s reputation could be saved if he spoke to Sanjay Singh Sharma, a YouTuber. 

The lawyer contacted Sanjay Singh Sharma, who demanded a penalty of Rs. 31,500 to prevent the video’s circulation. Succumbing to the pressure, the lawyer transferred the money online to avoid further consequences. This incident underscores the dangers of impersonation and extortion through digital means.

Extortion and False Claims

Following a distressing turn of events, a lawyer received a call claiming to be from the police inspector, Santosh Mishra, who alleged that the lawyer’s conversations with a certain girl had driven her to suicide. The caller demanded a payment of Rs. 65,500 to remove supposedly uploaded videos implicating the lawyer. Yielding to the pressure, the lawyer transferred the requested amount online. However, the ordeal did not end there, as another call came through, purportedly from the same inspector, asserting that the matter could be settled with an additional demand of Rs. 2 lakhs to close the case. 

Succumbing to fear and coercion, the lawyer transferred a total of Rs. 5.47 lakhs to purportedly resolve the fabricated accusations and extortion attempts. This alarming incident highlights the dangers of digital impersonation and extortion in today’s society.

Extortion and Vulnerable Citizens: A Disturbing Trend

In Vadodara city, a distressing incident unfolded a year ago involving a 70-year-old senior citizen who received a nude video call from an unknown number on WhatsApp. Subsequently, after recording the call, the perpetrators extorted the senior citizen by demanding one lakh rupees. Unfortunately, despite the elderly person complying with the demand, the harassment did not cease. A year later, the senior citizen was again victimized with another nude video released, and this time, an exorbitant demand of 35,000 rupees was made. 

This act of exploitation took a toll on the elderly person’s emotional and financial well-being. Despite reaching out to authorities in Delhi’s Crime Branch, the vulnerable citizen’s ordeal persisted. Such incidents underscore the urgent need for robust measures to protect vulnerable members of society from digital exploitation and extortion.

WhatsApp Nude Calling Scam: A Growing Threat in Haryana, Rajasthan, and West Bengal

In a recent interview with Divya Bhaskar, Vadodara Cyber Crime ACP Hardik Makadiya disclosed that the WhatsApp nude calling fraud has been rampant for the past two years. This modus operandi of crime is prevalent in states like Haryana, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. Every month, the cybercrime department receives 10 to 15 complaints related to nude calling fraud. Unfortunately, identifying the culprits has proven challenging, leaving many victims feeling helpless.

The scammers often create fake profiles of unknown young women on Facebook to initiate contact. After gaining the victim’s trust, they engage in WhatsApp chats. Subsequently, victims receive video calls on WhatsApp, where recordings are initiated without their consent. Often, victims’ photos are captured during these calls, which are later edited and used for blackmail.

This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement to combat cybercrime. Citizens must remain vigilant and cautious while interacting online to protect themselves from falling victim to such scams.

Blackmailing for Case Resolution: A Menace Leading to Tragic Ends

The perpetrators employ various tactics of blackmailing to extort money, instilling fear among their victims. Initially, they often initiate conversations with individuals, sometimes even posing as YouTubers. In some cases, they claim to be affiliated with agencies like the CBI, Cyber Crime, or Crime Branch to intimidate their targets into paying up for case resolution. Victims are coerced into parting with their money out of sheer terror.

These instances of blackmailing have affected individuals ranging from 20 to 80 years old, causing immense suffering and distress. Tragically, in many cases, victims have resorted to taking their own lives due to the relentless pressure and harassment they face. The practice of blackmailing has not only led to financial losses but has also left behind a trail of shattered lives and irreparable damage to individuals and families.

Protect Yourself from Sextortion

Individuals are advised never to accept friend requests from unknown persons on social media platforms. It’s important to note that profiles appearing out of the blue, especially those created just a few days ago, should raise suspicion. Even if you accept the request initially, it’s crucial to delete it later. If you receive video calls from unfamiliar numbers, never accept them. Instead, block the number and report it immediately. By doing so, you can safeguard yourself and others from falling victim to this type of fraud on platforms like WhatsApp. Stay vigilant to avoid becoming a victim of sextortion.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Extortion

Individuals should never succumb to any threats of blackmail after receiving nude calls. Refrain from yielding to any form of intimidation and do not entertain their calls. Instead, report such incidents to the nearest police station or cybercrime police station. If you have already paid money to such individuals, call 1930 without delay, so an online application can be lodged at your local cybercrime police station. Often, individuals falsely claim to be from the Indian Army by using a profile picture of an army personnel, trying to gain your trust. 

They may call you after obtaining your phone number and then proceed to make nude calls. It’s essential to maintain proper privacy settings on your social media profiles so that only your friends can view your posts. If your profile is public, your photos could be misused. Stay vigilant and safeguard yourself from such fraudulent activities.