Threatened to release nude video-chat, extorted ₹ 2.5 crore: Couple arrested

Business: Two people have been arrested for allegedly extorting Rs 2.5 crore from a Thrissur businessman by threatening to release his nude videos. Shemi (38), a native of Kollam Karunagappally, and her husband Sojan (32) from Perinad Puthanveet were arrested. Police found that the fraud was committed for a luxurious life. The two have been in touch with the Thrissur businessman since 2020. Through WhatsApp, she was mistakenly introduced as a 23-year-old woman staying in a hostel in Ernakulam. He then got close to her and later borrowed money from the businessman in the name of hostel fees. The businessman was caught showing his nude form in a video call.

He later started demanding a hefty amount by threatening to release the chats and videos. When he ran out of money in his own account, the businessman paid by mortgaging his wife’s gold and withdrawing his fixed deposits. A complaint was lodged with the police after the threats continued. The complaint said that about Rs 10 lakh was defrauded. Rs 2.5 crore was deposited in the woman’s accounts. Investigation with the help of cyber cell revealed the accused. The absconding accused were caught from Angamaly. Jewellery worth Rs 82 lakh, 2 luxury cars, 2 jeeps and a bike were also seized from them.