Nigerian Man Arrested in Delhi for Duping Over 100 Women Through Romance Scam

Delhi Police have arrested a 29-year-old Nigerian national for allegedly masterminding a large-scale romance scam that defrauded more than 100 Indian women. The suspect, identified as Stephane, alias K Cee Dominic, was apprehended in West Delhi’s Tilak Nagar following weeks of investigation.

Police reports indicate that Dominic posed as “Duck Young,” a Korean jewelry businessman based in the United Kingdom. He used a language exchange app to approach single women, presenting himself as financially successful and emotionally available. Once trust was established, he fabricated emergencies claiming he was stranded at airports or trapped in immigration disputes and persuaded victims to transfer money.

Investigators revealed that Dominic’s accomplices, still at large, would impersonate customs or immigration officials on phone calls, further convincing victims that payments were required for his release or clearance. These funds, often transferred digitally, ranged from tens of thousands to several lakhs of rupees.

The scam came to light after a woman named Anjali filed a complaint on September 24. She reported that Dominic tricked her into transferring ₹48,500 after claiming he had been detained at Mumbai airport for traveling without a required medical card. Anjali also received calls from Indian phone numbers, where individuals posed as immigration officers demanding additional payments.

Acting on her complaint, police tracked digital transactions, analyzed call records, and scrutinized social media activity. Their investigation led to Dominic’s arrest, where they seized a mobile phone loaded with fake profiles, fraudulent documents, and chat histories with more than 100 women.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Prashant Gautam said the evidence confirmed a well-organized cyber fraud operation. He added that investigators are now tracing Dominic’s associates and the bank accounts used for receiving illicit funds.

During questioning, Dominic admitted that he entered India in 2019 on a six-month tourist visa using a passport procured from the Ivory Coast. After his visa expired, he remained illegally in the country. Having exhausted his savings, he allegedly turned to cyber fraud, leveraging digital platforms to target vulnerable women nationwide.

Authorities say efforts are underway to identify other members of the syndicate and recover money transferred by victims. Police also urged the public, particularly women using social apps, to remain cautious of individuals who build quick trust and request financial assistance under false pretenses.