Punjab Police Bust Inter-State Cyber Fraud Racket; Three Arrested for AI-Based Online Extortion
**In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Cyber Crime Division of Punjab Police has dismantled an inter-state cyber fraud racket and arrested three individuals accused of cheating and extorting money by impersonating women on social media platforms.
According to officials, the accused created **fake social media profiles posing as women** and targeted unsuspecting victims online. They used **voice-changing software and advanced digital tools** to make their identities appear genuine while interacting with victims. Once contact was established, the fraudsters allegedly threatened victims with the circulation of **AI-generated objectionable videos**, demanding money to avoid public exposure.
During the operation, police recovered a significant amount of evidence and cash linked to the racket. The seizure includes **₹3.49 lakh in cash, $500 in foreign currency, 29 mobile phones, a laptop, a tablet, a dongle, and 38 empty mobile phone boxes**, indicating the large scale at which the fraud network was operating.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the gang operated across multiple states and used various digital tools to execute their schemes while attempting to remain anonymous. Authorities believe that more victims may have been targeted and are currently examining digital evidence to uncover the full extent of the network.
An FIR has been registered at the **State Cyber Crime Police Station in Mohali**, and further investigation is underway to identify additional victims as well as possible accomplices connected to the racket.
Punjab Police has reiterated its commitment to **strictly tackling cybercrime and protecting citizens from online fraud**. Officials have also urged the public to remain cautious while interacting with unknown profiles on social media and to immediately report suspicious activities to cybercrime authorities.