The rural police of Karimnagar have arrested a couple accused of running a large-scale Instagram honey-trap racket. The suspects allegedly targeted nearly 100 youngsters and businessmen, using secretly recorded explicit images to blackmail victims and extort huge sums of money.
A Well-Organized Trap to Lure Victims
According to the police, the couple—originally from Mancherial—had suffered financial losses in marble and interior decoration businesses. In a bid to make quick money, they allegedly turned to honey-trapping through social media.
After moving to Karimnagar, they rented an apartment in Arepally and began posting nude photographs on Instagram, including individual nude images of the woman, to attract potential victims.
Blackmail and Large-Scale Extortion
Once contact was established, victims were invited to the couple’s residence, where their nude photos were secretly captured. The suspects then allegedly blackmailed them, threatening to circulate the images among friends and relatives unless money was paid.
Police stated that the couple extorted money from around 100 people. In one case alone, they reportedly collected Rs 12 lakh, which was used to purchase a car, refrigerator, air conditioner, sofa, and other household items.
Death Threats and Police Action
The suspects later demanded an additional Rs 5 lakh from the same victim and allegedly threatened to kill him if he failed to arrange the amount. Fearing for his life, the victim informed his family and filed a complaint with Karimnagar rural police.
Based on the complaint, a case was registered and the couple was arrested near the cable bridge in Karimnagar town on Wednesday. Police recovered a car, cash, mobile phones, and a blank cheque from their possession.
Police Warning on Social Media Scams
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant on social media platforms, warning that scammers increasingly exploit online interactions for blackmail and extortion. Anyone facing threats or online exploitation is advised to report immediately to the police.
This case once again highlights the risks associated with online encounters and the growing importance of cyber awareness and safety.
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