Two African nationals arrested in Delhi over ₹50 lakh cyber fraud

Delhi Police have arrested two African nationals in connection with an international cyber fraud racket that allegedly defrauded victims across multiple Indian states of over ₹50 lakh . The suspects reportedly impersonated women on social media and dating platforms, forming emotional relationships with victims to extract money.

Police said the accused created elaborate stories claiming they were travelling to India and faced immigration issues or airport detentions , requesting funds to resolve these fictitious problems. The investigation linked at least 12 complaints from different states to multiple bank accounts controlled by the suspects. These accounts, opened in various names across different banks, were used to receive the defrauded money.

Authorities seized six mobile phones and two passports , which contained incriminating chat logs, details of mule accounts, and fabricated images designed to mislead victims. Police added that both suspects are also suspected of involvement in drug trafficking in the Delhi-NCR region, and investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the network.

While these arrests followed extensive surveillance, technical analysis, and tracking of suspicious bank accounts, officials have not confirmed a direct link to Operation CyHawk , the nationwide cybercrime crackdown. However, the investigation mirrors CyHawk’s approach of targeting organized fraud networks and monitoring mule accounts.

Police have warned the public to remain cautious of strangers who quickly form personal connections online and then request money, a common tactic in romance-based cyber frauds . Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the operation and are working to apprehend additional suspects involved in the network.