Karimnagar (Telangana), Jan 20: Police in Telangana’s Karimnagar district arrested a married couple accused of running an organised sex blackmail racket for nearly three years, using social media platforms to lure victims and extort large sums of money.

According to a source, the woman allegedly contacted men through Instagram and YouTube, gradually building personal relationships before inviting them to the couple’s residence under the pretext of consensual meetings. During these encounters, her husband allegedly recorded intimate videos using hidden cameras installed inside the house.

The source informed that the videos were later used to threaten the victims with exposure to their families, friends and workplaces, forcing them to pay money to avoid public embarrassment.

Over 100 Victims, Crores Extorted
The source said more than 100 men were allegedly trapped in the racket, while nearly 1,500 individuals were reportedly contacted or targeted online. The extortion amounts varied based on the victims’ financial capacity, ranging from thousands to several lakhs of rupees, police said.

The racket came to light after a lorry owner filed a complaint, stating that he had already paid Rs 13 lakh to the accused and was being pressured to pay an additional Rs 5 lakh. He also alleged that the couple threatened to kill him and circulate explicit videos to his family if he failed to comply.

Based on the complaint, police launched an investigation, gathered digital evidence and arrested the couple.

Assets Purchased Using Extorted Money
During searches, police seized mobile phones, storage devices containing explicit videos, cash and cheques. Investigators said the accused had allegedly used the extorted money to purchase a residential plot worth about Rs 65 lakh and a car valued at around Rs 10 lakh.

The source said the husband, a real estate businessman, was under heavy financial stress and debt, and the couple allegedly resorted to the racket to repay loans and EMIs. The couple, married for three years, has two children.

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The accused have been booked under relevant sections of law, and further investigation is in progress, officials said.