The LT Marg police have arrested Shivam Shrivastava, a Lucknow-based man in his 30s, for allegedly defrauding more than 100 women across India by posing as a potential groom on matrimonial websites. The arrest came after a 34-year-old schoolteacher reported losing Rs8 lakh to the accused, who went by the fake name Vineet Malhotra.
The victim said she met Shivam on a matrimonial site during the COVID-19 lockdown. Over four years of virtual interaction, he emotionally manipulated her, citing personal tragedies like his parents’ deaths due to COVID, to avoid meeting in person or appearing on video calls. Using these excuses, he gradually coerced her into transferring large sums of money.
The case took a turn when another woman from Mumbai, who had a similar experience, declined to file a complaint but provided information that helped track the accused. Investigation led police to Lucknow, where Shivam was arrested.
Police say Shrivastava, a freelance web designer turned food delivery agent, turned to online fraud after losing income due to the growing dominance of AI technologies in his field. He specifically targeted divorced or single women in their 30s through matrimonial platforms, exploiting their emotional vulnerability.
“He used false identities such as Varun or Vineet Malhotra to win trust, and then siphoned money. He blocked over 700 WhatsApp contacts, most of which are believed to be other victims,” said an official.
Despite using his own mobile number and bank accounts, Shivam managed to escape suspicion for nearly five years. Police analysis of his bank records suggests transactions totaling several crores, but he has no prior criminal background.
Authorities have urged the public to verify identities before engaging in financial or emotional commitments online and to report any suspicious behavior immediately.
