Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Aug 24: Police in Udupi have arrested two accused, including a minor, in connection with an online fraud racket involving video calls. Authorities also seized several items used in the crime along with cash running into lacs of rupees.

The arrested have been identified as Jaid Mohammad alias Jaid Khan (19), a native of Rajasthan, and a minor boy. Police confiscated five mobile phones and Rs 2 lac in cash from their possession. Other accused in the case are absconding, said district police superintendent Hariram Shankar.

According to police, the case came to light when a complainant befriended a woman on Facebook. Soon after, the complainant received a video call. Within minutes of accepting it, the caller manipulated the complainant’s image into a morphed nude video and sent it back via WhatsApp. The complainant was then threatened that the video would be uploaded on social media unless money was paid. Through repeated extortion, a total of Rs 4,44,999 was transferred. A case was registered at the CEN police station.

A special team led by CEN inspector Ramachandra Naik and PSI Harish was formed to investigate. The accused was eventually tracked down and arrested near the Madgaon railway station in Goa.