Mumbai Police Cracks Down on Dating App Extortion Racket Operating from Sakinaka Cafe
In a significant crackdown, Mumbai police on March 13 dismantled a sophisticated dating app extortion racket that was operating from a cafe in Sakinaka's Andheri (East) area. The operation led to the arrest of 11 people, including three women, who were allegedly running the scam from the Heaven Terrace 72 Cafe. Authorities revealed that the accused had rented the cafe premises approximately two months ago to execute their fraudulent activities.
Complaint from Businessman Exposes Elaborate Scheme
The police action was initiated following a detailed complaint filed by 38-year-old Khar-based businessman Pankaj Yadav. Yadav discovered that a friend had fallen victim to the gang and, determined to expose the operation, spent nearly 10 days meticulously studying how the scheme functioned. His investigation provided crucial insights that enabled law enforcement to plan a strategic raid.
Modus Operandi: Luring Victims Through Dating Apps
According to Yadav's account, the racket targeted individuals through a dating app that required a Rs 399 registration fee. Once users signed up, they would receive messages, often sent by male gang members. To build trust and credibility, a woman from the group would then initiate a WhatsApp call and invite the victim to meet at the Sakinaka cafe.
Upon arrival, the woman would place multiple orders, resulting in heavily inflated bills. "I realised the drinks served were not alcohol but just water, though they were billed as liquor," Yadav stated. In his specific case, the bill amounted to a staggering Rs 18,616, highlighting the extent of the financial exploitation.
Police Operation and Decoy Strategy
After understanding the modus operandi, Yadav approached zonal deputy commissioner of police Datta Nalawade, who promptly formed a dedicated team from the Powai police station. Acting as a decoy, Yadav visited the cafe with a woman while police teams maintained close surveillance nearby.
During the visit, staff and bouncers allegedly attempted to intimidate him into paying the inflated bill. Yadav then alerted the police, who conducted a raid at around 6:35 pm, apprehending all the accused on the premises.
Additional Victim Found During Raid
At the time of the raid, officers discovered another victim being coerced into paying Rs 25,000 despite having consumed only one drink. This individual had also met a woman through a dating app before being brought to the cafe, underscoring the repetitive nature of the scam.
Investigation Reveals Collaborative Racket
Police investigations uncovered that the extortion racket was a collaborative effort run by the cafe management in conjunction with a group of young men and women. The accused systematically used dating apps to identify targets and lure them to the location, where they were then forced to pay exorbitant bills under threat and intimidation.
Authorities identified Mayur Didole and Nitesh Amdaskar as the primary operators of the cafe. Other key individuals involved included manager Mayank Katuriya, staff member Mohseen Khan, and bouncer Jatin Kumar, among others.
Interstate Connections and Further Findings
During questioning, the women informed police that two men based in Delhi assisted them in identifying potential victims on dating platforms and establishing initial contact. Once targets agreed to meet, they were directed to the cafe, where the rest of the group executed the scam.
Police also found that many individuals present at the cafe were connected through the dating app prior to arriving. Further investigation revealed that the establishment lacked a valid licence to serve alcohol and allegedly served water in place of liquor while charging premium rates, adding a layer of regulatory violation to the criminal activities.
Evidence Seized and Legal Proceedings
As part of the investigation, authorities seized numerous items from the premises, including bottles, billing machines, receipts, and electronic devices. The entire raid was meticulously recorded to ensure comprehensive documentation for legal proceedings. The case highlights the growing trend of digital platforms being exploited for extortion and the proactive measures taken by Mumbai police to combat such crimes.
