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Over time, she sent a total of Rs 5.55 lakhs to different accounts, believing his promise that once the dollars were released, they could begin their new life together.
London Groom Was a Lie: Nigerian Fraudster Cheats Karnataka Woman
Online matrimonial sites promise companionship and new beginnings. But for one divorced woman from Ilkal in Bagalkot district of Karnataka, that promise turned into betrayal.
What began as a hopeful search for a partner ended in heartbreak and financial loss, as she was duped of over five lakhs by a fraudster posing as a wealthy London resident.
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The case, investigated by the Bagalkot Cyber Economic and Narcotics (CEN) police, ended in the arrest of a Nigerian national operating from Mumbai. Yet it highlights the rising threat of romance and matrimonial scams, where emotions are exploited with devastating precision.
A Fake Profile with a Realistic Charm
The woman had registered on a matrimonial site after her divorce, hoping to rebuild her life. Among the many responses she received was one from a man who introduced himself as Satya Amit, a London-based professional searching for a bride. His profile photo and details painted the picture of an affluent Non-Resident Indian looking for a meaningful relationship.
Through chats and calls, the man carefully built trust. He convinced her of his background, softened her with conversations of marriage, and wove stories that made his profile believable.
The Big Lie
In 2024, after months of gaining her confidence, the scammer unleashed his scheme. He claimed to have brought one crore US dollars from London to India. According to his story, the cash had been seized by Delhi Customs, and he urgently needed Indian currency to release it.
Worried for her prospective partner and eager to help, the woman transferred money to him. Over time, she sent a total of Rs 5.55 lakhs to different accounts, believing his promise that once the dollars were released, they could begin their new life together.
Complaint and Investigation
When the fraudster failed to return the money or keep his promises, suspicion grew. The woman lodged a complaint at Ilkal City Police Station, which was later handed over to Bagalkot’s CEN unit. The case was taken seriously, given the rising number of similar scams across Karnataka.
Investigators traced digital footprints, bank transfers, and phone records. The trail led them not to London but to Mumbai, where the accused was living.
The Arrest
The accused was identified as Oliver Wuguo Okichiku, a Nigerian national. Police raided his residence and seized four mobile phones, a laptop, a passport, and bundles of paper with fake US dollar markings tools of deception used to convince victims of his false wealth.
His arrest exposed how organized such scams have become, with fraudsters often operating from Indian metros while pretending to be abroad.
A Lesson in Caution
Police have urged citizens, especially those seeking partners online, to remain alert. Fraudsters often exploit vulnerable individuals – divorcees, widows, or those eager to remarry by spinning tales of love, wealth, or urgent crises. Authorities stress verifying profiles, avoiding quick financial transfers, and reporting suspicious activity immediately.
For the Ilkal woman, the arrest brings some justice, but the emotional and financial scars remain. Her story is a stark reminder that in the digital age, even matters of the heart demand vigilance.
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
September 05, 2025, 14:53 IST
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