Delhi – In a significant operation, Delhi Police arrested a 23-year-old cyber criminal who blackmailed multiple women and girls by posing as a US-based freelance model on online dating platforms.

The accused, identified as Tushar Bisht, was apprehended in East Delhi’s Shakarpur area after a complaint by one of his victims.

Modus Operandi

Using a virtual international mobile number, Tushar created fake profiles on platforms like Bumble and Snapchat, where he used the photo of a Brazilian model to appear authentic.

Claiming to be a US-based model visiting India for work, he targeted women aged 18 to 30. After initiating conversations and building trust, he persuaded victims to share private photos and videos.

Once in possession of explicit content, Tushar blackmailed the victims, threatening to leak the material online or sell it if they refused to pay.

The Complaint

The investigation began after a Delhi University student filed a complaint at the Cyber West Police Station on December 13. The victim reported meeting Tushar on Bumble in early 2024, where he introduced himself as a US-based freelancer.

Their conversations moved to Snapchat and WhatsApp, where she shared private photographs. When the victim requested to meet in person, Tushar made excuses.

Later, he sent back her private video and demanded money, threatening to upload the content online if she didn’t comply. The victim initially made a small payment under pressure but eventually informed her family, leading to the complaint.

Arrest and Interrogation

Based on the evidence, the police traced the accused to Shakarpur, East Delhi, and arrested him. During interrogation, Tushar revealed that he had been using a virtual international number for over two years and had contacted hundreds of women through fake profiles. DCP West, Vichitra Veer, said, “The accused stored victims’ photos and videos using screen recording. While he initially engaged in this activity for amusement, he later started extorting money from victims.

If someone refused, he would threaten to share their explicit content on social media platforms.”

Background of the Accused

Tushar, a resident of East Delhi, belongs to a middle-class family. His father works as a private driver, his mother is a homemaker, and his sister is employed in Gurugram. A BBA graduate, Tushar has been working as a technical recruiter at a private company in Noida for the past three years.

Police Action and Warning

The police recovered the accused’s phone, which contained private photos and videos of several victims. Authorities are working to identify other potential victims and have urged citizens to exercise caution while engaging on online platforms. This case serves as a reminder of the risks associated with sharing private content online and the importance of reporting cybercrimes promptly. Police have advised individuals to be vigilant and avoid sharing personal information or explicit material with unknown persons.