The Chandigarh Police Cyber Crime unit has arrested a Nigerian national, identified as Ifeanyi Christian Ifesinachi, in connection with a fake friendship and dating fraud case.
The suspect was apprehended in Delhi after allegedly duping a Chandigarh resident of ₹6.08 lakh through a well-coordinated online scam.
According to police, Ifesinachi posed as a U.S. citizen named “Stanley” and contacted the victim through social media, building trust before staging a false emergency. He claimed to have been detained at Mumbai Airport and requested financial assistance to clear supposed customs charges. Believing the story, the victim transferred the money, after which the suspect disappeared.
Investigators revealed that the accused used multiple fake digital identities, frequently switching between male and female personas to deceive victims across India. He managed communication lines, operated several bank accounts, and coordinated cash withdrawals with his associates.
During the arrest, police recovered four mobile phones containing 35 active Gmail accounts, 15 SIM cards, three debit cards, five bank passbooks, and one expired Nigerian passport. Authorities noted that the extensive digital trail indicated a wider fraud network.
The police urged citizens to remain vigilant against online scams involving fake profiles, emotional manipulation, and financial requests. They advised the public to report any cybercrime activity immediately by calling 1930 or visiting cybercrime.gov.in.
