Delhi Police have arrested a 29-year-old Nigerian man accused of scamming more than 100 women across India by posing as a UK-based Korean businessman on a language exchange platform.
According to Hindustan Times, the suspect, identified as Stephane but operating under the aliases “Dominic” and “Duck Young,” was apprehended on Monday, September 29, from a rented apartment in Tilak Nagar, West Delhi.
Investigators said the suspect lured women into online relationships and then fabricated emergencies, such as being detained at airports, to solicit money. His accomplices posed as officials over the phone, demanding payments for his “release.”
One victim, Anjali, reported losing Rs 48,500 after being tricked into believing he was held at Mumbai airport. When she refused to send an additional Rs 2 lakh, the scammer disappeared, prompting her complaint.
Police traced the fraudster through call records, bank accounts, and social media activity, seizing a mobile phone containing fake profiles and conversations with more than 100 women. During interrogation, he admitted to overstaying in India since 2019 after entering on a six-month tourist visa using an Ivorian passport to evade restrictions faced by Nigerians at the time.
Officials said he resorted to cyber fraud after running out of money, tapping into a growing trend of romance and impersonation scams that exploit social vulnerabilities such as loneliness and trust.
Globally, romance scams have surged alongside the rapid adoption of digital platforms. Experts warn that users of language exchange apps, dating sites, and social media should be cautious of strangers asking for financial assistance.
