New Delhi: The Special Task Force (STF) of Delhi’s Shahdara district has busted a major online fraud racket in the Anand Vihar area. The gang was luring people through dating apps and inviting them to bars, where they were coerced into paying exorbitant food and liquor bills. Four suspects have been arrested in connection with this case.
How the Arrests Were Made
On March 8, 2025, the STF received a tip-off that some individuals were involved in scamming people at the “Big Daddy Bar” in Cross River Mall, Anand Vihar, through dating apps. Acting swiftly, the police team raided the location and identified four suspicious individuals standing outside the bar. The suspects, identified as Rajendra, Kuldeep, Ashish, and Deepak, were immediately taken into custody.
The Modus Operandi
During interrogation, the accused confessed that they created fake female profiles on dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, Happn, Aisle, and Woo to lure victims. Once a person agreed to meet, they were invited to a bar or club. Upon arrival, the victim would be encouraged to order expensive food and drinks. Later, in collusion with the bar management, the bill would be inflated multiple times, forcing the victim to pay a hefty amount. In return, the accused received ₹3,000 per day from the bars, and in some cases, women were arranged by the bar owners to make the scam appear more convincing.
Evidence and Legal Action
Police have recovered four mobile phones from the accused, containing incriminating evidence related to the scam. Authorities are now investigating whether the racket has links with other individuals or bars in the city.
Arrested Suspects
- Rajendra – Resident of Bhikam Singh Colony, Vishwas Nagar, Shahdara, Delhi (Age: 30 years)
- Kuldeep – Resident of Bhola Nath Nagar, Shahdara, Delhi (Age: 39 years)
- Ashish – Resident of DDA Flats, New Seemapuri, Delhi (Age: 21 years)
- Deepak – Resident of Dhoom Kheda village, Dadri, Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP (Age: 24 years)
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging citizens to remain cautious while using dating apps to avoid falling victim to such scams.
