Open video calls; Couple trapped 63-year-old man from Thrissur and stole 2.5 million rupees

The plan started in 2020 when Shemi, claiming to be a 23-year-old woman living in a hostel in Ernakulam, contacted the businessman via WhatsApp. The two developed an online friendship that quickly turned into a personal connection. Shemi initially took out a loan for minor expenses, but later escalated the situation by sending explicit messages and making video calls showing her naked body, thus trapping the businessman.

Shemi threatened to publish intimate conversations and videos unless the businessman sent him a large sum of money. In response, the businessman withdrew fixed deposits from accounts in the names of his wife and mother-in-law and pawned his wife’s gold jewelery to raise the necessary money. He transferred approximately Rs 2.5 million into accounts provided by Shemi.

After the businessman ran out of money, Shemi threatened him again, prompting him to file a police complaint. Investigators tracked the couple’s bank account transactions and cyber evidence. The investigation led the police to the couple, who was living a luxurious lifestyle in Kollam’s Ashtamudimukku.

Realizing the approach of the police, the couple fled to Wayanad, but the police tracked their movements and arrested them in Angamaly. Stolen gold and vehicles purchased with stolen money were seized. Both suspects, who were referred to the courthouse, were arrested and sent to prison.