Mandsaur Police seized six suspects on Monday in an operation that exposed a ₹11 crore fraud scheme run through matrimonial websites, with victims lost over 100 accounts across the country.
The sting began when a woman from Shamgarh filed a complaint after a man on a matrimonial portal claimed to be an NRI and coaxed her into sending ₹7.5 lakh for gifts that never arrived. She later discovered the man had used fake photos and a WhatsApp group where other gang members posed as family members of the groom.
Deputy Superintendent Vinod Kumar Meena said investigators traced more than 150 mule bank accounts and SIM cards across Agra, Firozabad, Delhi, Bihar and Bhopal. Five of the suspects were arrested in Jaipur raids, while the alleged mastermind was caught in Arwal district, Bihar.
Police recovered 22 Android phones, 30 mule SIM cards and five ATM cards, all bearing slips with account numbers. A total of ₹8 lakh was frozen in various accounts and will be returned to the victims through a legal process.
Meena told IANS that the investigation is now focusing on the gang’s suspected international links, with callers based abroad allegedly helping to target victims. He added that further arrests may follow as the probe expands.
The case underscores the growing threat of cyber‑fraud masquerading as matrimonial matchmaking, and authorities warn couples to verify profiles and remain skeptical of unsolicited requests for money.