In a sensational case that has sent shockwaves across Kerala’s startup ecosystem, a couple was arrested by the police for allegedly extorting several crores from the owner of a reputed IT firm based in Kochi’s Infopark. The arrest, made by the Kerala Police’s cyber crime wing, brings to light a meticulously planned blackmail and extortion racket that targeted high-net-worth individuals in the state’s burgeoning technology sector.
The accused, a man and his wife in their early 30s, were taken into custody from their luxury residence in Kakkanad, located close to the Infopark campus. The arrest followed a detailed investigation triggered by a complaint from the tech company’s founder, who alleged that the couple had used manipulated digital content and coercive tactics to extract large sums of money over the past year.
Digital Blackmail: The Modus Operandi
According to investigators, the accused couple befriended the victim through mutual acquaintances in tech and wellness circles and gradually gained his trust. The woman, posing as a mental wellness coach and business advisor, allegedly began counseling the IT firm’s CEO on personal and professional matters. The man, meanwhile, disguised himself as a financial consultant and IT operations expert.
Over time, the couple reportedly managed to gather sensitive personal information, access internal company files, and even manipulate photographs and audio recordings to create potentially damaging content. This was later used to blackmail the entrepreneur, with threats of releasing the materials on social media and to business clients unless exorbitant payments were made.
The Investigation and Arrest
The case was registered after the CEO finally approached the Kerala Police’s Cyber Crime Division, having already transferred over ₹4.7 crore to various bank accounts linked to the couple. Cyber forensic teams traced multiple transactions, digital wallets, and communication logs that substantiated the victim’s claims.
The couple was arrested under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:
- Section 384 – Extortion
- Section 420 – Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property
- Section 468 & 471 – Forgery and use of forged documents
- Section 66D of the IT Act – Cheating by personation using computer resources
Officials confirmed that at least 12 different bank accounts and 4 crypto wallets were being used to launder the extorted money. The police are currently probing whether more individuals were targeted by this couple and if they operated as part of a larger cyber extortion network.
Breakdown of Financial Transactions (₹ in Crore)
| Month | Amount Paid by Victim | Mode of Transfer | Linked Bank Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2023 | ₹0.65 | UPI, IMPS | Axis Bank (Mumbai) |
| October 2023 | ₹1.10 | Bank Transfer | HDFC Bank (Kochi) |
| December 2023 | ₹0.95 | Cryptocurrency | Binance Wallet ID #2419 |
| February 2024 | ₹0.75 | Cash (Courier) | N/A |
| April 2024 | ₹0.60 | UPI | ICICI Bank (Delhi) |
| June 2024 | ₹0.65 | Crypto | Coinbase Wallet ID #1028 |
| Total | ₹4.70 |
The police are verifying the details of the cryptocurrency wallets with international cybercrime agencies.
Impact on Kerala’s IT Community
The case has sent tremors across the IT community, particularly in the Infopark campus, which hosts more than 400 firms and startups. Entrepreneurs and investors have expressed concern over the rising number of white-collar cybercrimes, especially those targeting CXOs, startup founders, and venture capitalists.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, an IT park official stated:
“This incident has exposed a vulnerability that many in the sector don’t openly talk about. Founders often deal with high-pressure personal and professional environments, and it makes them susceptible to emotional manipulation and digital fraud.”
The Infopark administration is now reportedly working with Kerala Police to organize digital safety and personal privacy awareness sessions for founders and senior leadership teams.
Police Advisory to CEOs and Entrepreneurs
The Kerala Cyber Crime Cell issued an advisory urging tech company owners and entrepreneurs to be cautious of:
- Strangers offering unsolicited mentorship or emotional support
- Sharing confidential data over non-official platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram
- Engaging with individuals who ask for financial support under personal pretenses
- Allowing third-party access to business documents and cloud platforms
- Unverified investments or cryptocurrency-related dealings suggested by acquaintances
Officials are also encouraging firms to install internal cybersecurity audits, implement multi-layered access permissions, and conduct background checks on all business advisors, freelancers, or consultants.
Legal Developments and Further Proceedings
The accused couple has been remanded to police custody for 14 days as investigations continue. The court has directed law enforcement agencies to submit a forensic report on seized digital devices, which include three laptops, five mobile phones, and two external hard drives suspected of containing manipulated media.
Their lawyers have argued that the transactions were “mutual and voluntary” and claim the digital content in question has been misrepresented. The next bail hearing is scheduled in the Ernakulam Sessions Court next week.
If convicted, the couple could face up to 10 years in prison, along with hefty fines and confiscation of their assets.
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
The high-profile nature of the case has ignited widespread discussions on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Instagram. While some users are calling for strict punishment and better cybersecurity laws, others are raising questions about the psychological vulnerability of startup leaders.
Several netizens pointed out the irony that an IT firm, which likely deals with digital security, was breached on a personal front. Others are emphasizing the importance of “emotional firewalls” along with digital ones.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Corporate Cybersecurity
This incident has become a wake-up call for Kerala’s booming digital ecosystem. With Kochi emerging as a major tech hub after Bengaluru and Hyderabad, experts believe that soft threats like emotional extortion, deepfake abuse, and insider manipulation could become increasingly common.
Cybersecurity analysts suggest a three-pronged approach:
- Legal Reform: Updating laws to include emotional and digital coercion.
- Awareness: Regular training and psychological preparedness sessions for top executives.
- Collaboration: Building frameworks between law enforcement, IT parks, and cyber experts.
Conclusion
The arrest of the Kerala couple for extorting crores from an Infopark-based IT entrepreneur underscores the evolving face of cybercrime—one that blends psychological manipulation with digital expertise. As Kerala positions itself as a digital-first economy, the challenge will lie in safeguarding not just data, but the people who drive its innovation engine.
In the days ahead, how effectively this case is prosecuted and how robustly the tech sector responds to its warning signs will likely determine the cybersecurity narrative of not just Kochi, but the entire state.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on confirmed details provided by law enforcement officials and public records. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not imply guilt or innocence of any party until proven through due legal process. Readers are advised to stay updated via official channels for any further developments.
