Kozhikode: A man was arrested for blackmailing women by spreading their fake videos and photos through social media and extorting money. The accused created fake Instagram accounts in the names of women to carry out the scam. The arrested person is Muhammad Fuad (32), a native of Vellathingal, Maranchery, Malappuram.
After creating accounts in the names of women, the accused would engage in frequent conversations with other women, gaining their trust. Gradually, he would attempt to initiate video calls. During the call, he would expose his private parts and take screenshots. Using these images, he would threaten the victims. He often blackmailed married women by threatening to send the screenshots to their husbands, thereby extorting money. Investigations revealed that many victims, fearing exposure, paid the money.
The accused also tried to trap a young woman from Kozhikode in a similar manner. However, the woman’s family lodged a complaint with the police, exposing his scheme. Subsequently, the police from Panniyankara, Kozhikode, arrested the accused.
