Delhi Man Arrested for Using AI-Morphed Images to Blackmail Women, Extort Money Online

Delhi Police have arrested a 30-year-old man for allegedly using AI-generated morphed images to blackmail young women and extort money through social media platforms, exposing a sophisticated cybercrime racket targeting job seekers.

The accused, identified as Sourav, a resident of Bhalaswa Dairy in north Delhi, was arrested on June 4 by the Cyber Police Station of the North District following an investigation into a complaint filed by a 19-year-old woman from Malkaganj. Police said he had previously been arrested in two cases involving extortion , sexual harassment and stalking in 2022 and 2023, indicating a pattern of repeat offending.

According to investigators, Sourav allegedly posed as a recruiter on social media and targeted young women seeking employment. After gaining their trust and collecting their resumes, he persuaded them to participate in video verification calls . Screenshots from these interactions were then manipulated using AI-based tools to create obscene images, which were used to threaten victims and demand money.

The complainant told police that she received a WhatsApp message containing a morphed image and was instructed to communicate through a Snapchat account operating under the name “Lakshay Garg.” The accused allegedly demanded Rs 30,000 for deleting the image. Fearing its circulation, her family transferred the amount through a QR-code payment. Months later, he allegedly demanded more money and received another Rs 10,000. He also pressured the victim to share contact details of other young women.

A case was registered under Sections 77, 79, 308(2) and 351(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) . A police team led by Woman Sub-Inspector Hanshul Gupta traced the accused through digital evidence, including subscriber records, IP logs and social media data. Police recovered a mobile phone, SIM card and Wi-Fi router allegedly used in the crime. During questioning, Sourav allegedly admitted that he engaged in cyber extortion for illegal financial gain while working for a private finance company. Further investigation is underway.