Alappuzha, Kerala: In a significant cybercrime breakthrough, the Alappuzha Cyber Crime Police have arrested a person accused of misusing a young woman’s photograph to create a fake Facebook account, making obscene posts and allegedly collecting money from several people by offering paid video calls.
Acting under the direction of Alappuzha District Police Chief Vishnu Pradeep T.K., IPS, a dedicated police team initiated an investigation after receiving information about the fraudulent activities. The investigation was conducted under the supervision of DCRB DySP Ananthalal and led by Cyber Crime Police Station Inspector Honey K. Das, along with CPOs Rikas K. and Mithunnath.
Following detailed investigative efforts, the police team traced the accused to Pandikkad in Malappuram district. The officers travelled to the location, conducted further inquiries and successfully identified and apprehended the accused.
According to the police, the accused allegedly operated a fake Facebook profile using the photograph of a young woman and uploaded obscene content. The accused also allegedly used the fake identity to approach multiple persons and collect money in the name of providing paid video-call services.
The accused was subsequently brought before the Alappuzha Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court, where he was produced and remanded in judicial custody.
The successful action demonstrates the Alappuzha Cyber Crime Police’s continued efforts to trace online offenders, protect the misuse of personal information and bring cybercrime suspects to justice, even when investigations extend beyond the district.
Police have also urged the public to exercise caution while sharing photographs and personal information on social-media platforms. Citizens are advised to keep their social-media profiles private, review their privacy settings and avoid accepting unknown requests or sharing personal information with strangers.
The police emphasised that maintaining stronger privacy settings can significantly reduce the risk of photographs and other personal information being misused for fraudulent or criminal activities.
The timely investigation and interstate-style field coordination by the Alappuzha Cyber Crime Police have once again highlighted the department’s commitment to combating social-media fraud, identity misuse and online exploitation, while encouraging citizens to adopt safer digital practices.
