Cybercrime – Delhi Police Arrest Man Accused of Using AI Images for Online Extortion
Cybercrime – A 30-year-old man has been taken into custody by Delhi Police for allegedly targeting women through social media by using AI-generated and digitally altered photographs to extort money. Investigators said the accused had previously faced allegations in two separate extortion-related cases.
Complaint Triggered Police Investigation
The case came to light after a 19-year-old woman approached the police with a complaint regarding threatening messages she received on WhatsApp. According to officials, an unknown individual sent her a manipulated image and attempted to intimidate her through repeated communication.
Police said the suspect allegedly instructed the woman to create a separate social media profile to continue conversations. Using an online identity under the name “Lakshay Garg,” he reportedly demanded Rs 30,000 in exchange for deleting the altered photograph and preventing its circulation.
Family Paid Money Under Pressure
Authorities stated that the victim and her family became deeply distressed after receiving the threats. Fearing possible misuse of the image, the family transferred the demanded amount through a QR code-based payment system.
Investigators believe the payment was made solely to stop further harassment. However, the matter did not end there, as the accused allegedly re-established contact months later and sought additional money from the complainant.
Fresh Demand Made Months Later
According to police records, the woman was contacted again in February. During this interaction, the suspect allegedly demanded another payment. Following discussions between both sides, the victim reportedly transferred Rs 10,000 through a cyber café transaction.
Officials said the repeated demands suggested a continuing pattern of intimidation rather than an isolated incident. The complainant eventually decided to seek legal assistance after the threats persisted.
Alleged Pressure to Target Other Women
During the course of the alleged harassment, the accused is said to have pressured the woman to share contact information of other young women. Police claim that when she refused to cooperate, the threats became more aggressive.
Investigators noted that this escalation played a significant role in the victim’s decision to report the matter. Her complaint prompted a detailed inquiry by law enforcement agencies.
Digital Evidence Helped Identify Suspect
Police teams examined digital records and gathered electronic evidence connected to the case. During the investigation, officials traced the social media account used for communication and found links to an email address allegedly belonging to the accused.
The suspect was identified as Sourav. Authorities tracked his location and eventually arrested him from the Bhalswa Dairy area on Thursday.
Police Continue Cybercrime Monitoring
Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia confirmed the arrest and said investigators had collected substantial evidence during the probe. Officials are also examining whether similar methods may have been used in other cases.
The incident highlights the growing misuse of artificial intelligence tools and image-editing technology in cybercrime. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly advised social media users to remain cautious while sharing personal information online and to report any suspicious activity immediately.