Mumbai — In a major crackdown, Mumbai Police have exposed a well-orchestrated online dating scam involving the use of apps like Tinder to lure men and extort large sums of money at luxury hotels. A total of 21 individuals, including 7 women, have been arrested by the MHB Police, unveiling a racket that preyed on unsuspecting men under the guise of romantic encounters.
The scam came to light when a 26-year-old Santacruz resident lodged a complaint after being duped. He had matched with Disha Sharma, 22, on Tinder, who invited him to the Times Square Hotel on Borivali Link Road. After ordering drinks and hookah, the man was presented with a staggering ₹35,000 bill. When he protested, hotel staff — allegedly part of the scam — intimidated him and demanded full payment.
Sensing foul play, the man contacted police. Responding swiftly, officers managed to bring the bill down to ₹30,000. The victim paid ₹15,000 through a QR code shown by a hotel staffer, after the woman claimed she’d pay the other half. However, she vanished shortly after, and the man realized he had been conned.
Further investigation revealed the payment was directed to private accounts linked to Akram Khan and Muhammad Talib, not the hotel. Police arrested Sharma, Khan, and Talib under the IT Act and various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The police say this group operated across several hotels, executing similar scams on multiple victims. The elaborate setup involved both the women, who acted as the bait, and hotel employees, who helped pressurize victims into making hefty payments.
Authorities urge citizens to remain cautious while using dating apps and report suspicious activities promptly. Investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are likely.
