A coordinated police operation in Lucknow has exposed a disturbing pattern of digital-age honeytraps, with four men arrested for allegedly targeting individuals through a dating app and extorting money after filming them in compromising situations.

The accused are believed to have used the LGBTQ+ dating platform Grindr to identify and approach potential victims. Posing as genuine users, they would initiate conversations and build trust before convincing targets to meet in person at private locations.

Once the victim arrived, the plan would quickly escalate. According to investigators, members of the gang would barge into the room, record videos without consent, and threaten to circulate the footage online.

Under pressure and fear of public exposure, victims were allegedly forced to transfer money instantly using QR codes. Police said the operation came to light after a complaint was filed on March 15, prompting a joint crackdown by the North Zone SWAT team, surveillance unit and Aliganj police.

Acting on intelligence inputs, officers tracked the suspects’ movements and intercepted them near Sector-E early Sunday morning.

Four accused: Khalid Ahmad, Devkaran Singh, Akash Pandey, and Subhash Rawat alias Golu, were arrested during the raid, while a 17-year-old minor suspected of assisting the group was also detained.

Investigators say the gang operated with a clear division of roles, from initiating contact online to executing the extortion on the ground, indicating a premeditated and organised setup rather than isolated incidents.

Police officials also pointed out that this is not the first such case in the city. A similar modus operandi had surfaced last year, raising concerns about repeat offenders and the growing misuse of dating platforms for criminal activities.

Authorities are now examining digital evidence, including chat histories and transaction trails, to identify more victims and determine whether the network extends beyond those already arrested.

Officials have urged users of dating apps to exercise caution while meeting strangers and report any suspicious or coercive behaviour immediately, warning that such crimes often rely on fear and silence to succeed.