A Pune techie lost ₹1.55 crore to a woman posing as “Anamika” on a dating app. Police busted a cybercrime gang with 11 arrests linked to transnational fraud.
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Headline: Pune Techie Loses ₹1.55 Crore to ‘Anamika’ in Dating App Scam; Cybercrime Network Busted
Pune – In a shocking case of emotional and financial deception, a 45-year-old software engineer from Sangvi fell prey to a highly sophisticated dating app scam, losing his entire life savings—₹1.55 crore—to a woman posing as “Anamika,” who turned out to be part of a transnational cybercrime network.
The victim, lured through a popular dating application, began conversing with "Anamika," who presented herself as a brokerage executive. Over the course of several months, she built trust and convinced him to invest large sums in fake property and stock market schemes, promising high returns.
However, after transferring ₹1.55 crore in multiple tranches and receiving suspiciously high profits, the man grew skeptical. Upon verification, the entire operation was exposed as a cyber fraud ring.
Pune Engineer Loses ₹1.55 Crore in Dating App Scam, Cybercrime Gang Busted
Crackdown on Cybercrime Network
Following the victim’s complaint, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Cyber Cell launched an investigation that uncovered a larger organized scam network, responsible for duping multiple individuals using similar tactics.
11 accused were arrested. Among them were three key suspects—Shubham Mantha, Swapnil Baheti, and Prashik Navghare—who were apprehended at the Pune airport while attempting to flee to Nepal.
Police officials stated that the scam had international links, with traces leading back to cybercriminal operations in China. The suspects reportedly laundered funds using crypto wallets, dummy bank accounts, and shell companies.
Not an Isolated Incident
This isn’t an isolated case in Pune. In recent months:
Two professionals lost ₹80 lakh collectively in similar online trading frauds through dating apps.
A 19-year-old was arrested for allegedly robbing a shopkeeper he met via a dating app, along with two absconding accomplices. The gang siphoned ₹60,000 via UPI after threatening the victim at knifepoint.
These incidents reflect a troubling trend where cybercriminals weaponize emotional manipulation through dating platforms to execute financial frauds.
Police Advisory
Cyber police officials urge citizens to:
Avoid sharing personal or financial data with unknown individuals online.
Be wary of “get-rich-quick” investment opportunities.
Report any suspicious activity to the National Cyber Crime Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or nearest police station.
Final Word
With technology bridging distances, the trust deficit in digital relationships is growing. While dating apps offer connection, they also expose users to new-age cyber traps where romance is bait, and ruin is real.
The case serves as a stark reminder: verify, don’t just trust—especially when money and emotions are involved.
