COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore cyber crime police have arrested a 36-year-old man from Pudukottai on charges of cheating a divorced woman of nearly Rs 2 crore by promising to marry her after meeting her on a dating app.The arrested man, identified as B Vigneshwaran, who runs a football academy in Pudukottai, connected with the woman in 2022. The woman, originally from Coimbatore and currently living abroad, met him in person during her visits to the city.Police said Vigneshwaran allegedly sought money on various pretexts, including funds to expand his business, medical expenses and financial emergencies. Officials added that he had pressured the woman into buying luxury items for him, including an iPad and a car.After the woman filed a complaint, police conducted a preliminary inquiry, formed a special team and arrested him in Pudukottai. He was brought to Coimbatore, produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody. Police said analysis of his mobile phone revealed that he had used the same method to target multiple women through dating apps and Instagram. Investigators stated that he was extorting money from another woman at the time of his arrest.The cyber crime police have urged the public not to send money to people met through dating apps or social media, warning that claims involving love, marriage, investments or medical emergencies are common fraud tactics. People have been asked to report suspicious activities immediately to the cyber crime police.
