In a breakthrough against organized cyber-enabled crime, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Bengaluru Police has arrested 11 members of an alleged honey trap gang who used a fake dating app to lure unsuspecting victims into kidnapping and robbing them.
Police said two more accused, believed to be active members of the gang, are now absconding and that special teams are working to locate and arrest them.
The fake dating app is used to target victims
According to investigators, the gang created or used a fake dating application to attract victims by posing as women interested in meeting them.
After they had established contact through the app, they would suggest that the victims meet at a pre-decided location. When the victim arrived, members of the gang allegedly kidnapped and robbed him of cash, valuables, and other belongings.
The cops believe the gang carefully planned each operation to avoid detection.
CCB Conducts Major Crackdown
The racket was busted through a probe by the CCB Women’s Protection Squad, who followed up on the gang’s activities after receiving complaints.
During the operation, officers arrested 11 suspects and seized several items that were allegedly used in the crime. Police also seized several vehicles that the gang had used during the kidnappings and robberies.
Authorities are looking into the seized materials for further evidence.
Accused Identified
Police have identified the arrested individuals as:
Chetan Manu
Shabu
Manjunath
Jayakumar
Arun Keerthi
Kantha Raju
Sandeep
Four other accused whose identities have also been established during the investigation.
Two more suspects are still on the run, and police are searching for them, the officials said.
Investigation Continues
The investigators are now trying to determine if the gang was involved in similar situations around Bengaluru or parts of Karnataka.
Police are gathering digital evidence—mobile phones, communication records, and information related to the fake dating app that was used to contact victims. They are also checking if others were targeted but have not yet reported the incidents.
Further arrests are not being ruled out as the investigation continues.
Police Warn Public about Online Dating Scams
Following the arrests, police advised people to be careful while using online dating apps and social networking sites.
Authorities advised users to:
Verify the identity of people before agreeing to meet them.
Avoid sharing personal or financial information with strangers.
Meet only in public places if interacting with someone known exclusively online.
Inform family or friends about meeting arrangements.
Be cautious if someone insists on meeting in isolated locations.
Report suspicious profiles or activities to the police immediately.
Increasing Threat of Honey Trap Crimes
Such cyber-enabled honey trap scams are getting increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using fake identities, fabricated profiles, and social engineering to prey on victims.
As law enforcement agencies have often warned, these gangs frequently combine online deception with kidnapping, extortion, robbery, or blackmail, and public awareness is an important tool in preventing these crimes.
The CCB has assured that the investigation is ongoing and that every effort is being made to identify all those involved in the racket and bring them to justice.
