Delhi Police Arrest Fraudster Who Posed as High-Earning Professional on Matrimonial Sites

Delhi Police on Sunday apprehended a former security guard accused of masquerading as a high-earning professional on matrimonial websites and duping dozens of women over the past seven years. Identified as Manoj Gahlyan , 35, the suspect reportedly carried out these fraudulent activities since 2017, preying on unsuspecting victims to siphon off money, police revealed.

How the Fraud Unfolded
According to Vichitra Veer, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Delhi), “Gahlyan used to identify gullible women and lure them by pretending to be a high-salaried manager in a reputed office, earning Rs 15-20 lakh. He would build trust by meeting them and then steal their credit or debit card details to siphon off money.”

Investigators believe the number of victims could be in the hundreds, although many women are thought to have refrained from filing complaints due to feelings of shame or fear.

The Modus Operandi
Operating on matrimonial websites, Gahlyan created a persona of financial success and stability to attract potential victims. Over time, he gained their trust, eventually obtaining sensitive information like bank account and credit card details. Using this information, he conducted unauthorized transactions, leaving his victims blindsided.

The case came to light on November 23, when a victim approached the Cyber (West) police station, reporting that the accused had accessed her bank account and credit card details.

Breakthrough in the Case
After extensive investigation, the police traced the fraudulent transactions to Gahlyan’s bank account. However, his address was found to be inaccurate, complicating the case. A breakthrough came through the analysis of CCTV footage, bank withdrawals, and purchases, which conclusively linked him to the crime.

Gahlyan was ultimately arrested in Northeast Delhi’s Usmanpur area during a raid led by Inspector Dharmender of Cyber West police. The police recovered five debit cards and a mobile phone purchased using the complainant’s credit card.

Ongoing Investigation
“Investigation is on to determine the total number of victims and the amount of money stolen,” DCP Veer added. The authorities suspect that Gahlyan’s scam may have spanned years, exploiting the vulnerabilities of women seeking genuine connections on matrimonial platforms.

A Cautionary Tale
This case highlights the growing prevalence of online fraud, particularly on matrimonial websites. Users are urged to exercise caution, verify personal details, and avoid sharing sensitive financial information with strangers.