Delhi Police arrest Sharukh Khan in fake hotel booking scam

New Delhi: The South West District police in Delhi have arrested Sharukh Khan, a notorious cybercriminal, for his role in a sophisticated fake hotel booking scam that targeted unsuspecting customers across the capital.

Khan was taken into custody on Wednesday following an intensive investigation by the cybercrime unit, which had received multiple complaints about fraudulent hotel booking websites. 

According to police sources, Khan operated under the guise of legitimate hotel booking services, setting up fake websites that closely resembled those of established hotel chains. Victims were lured into making advance payments for bookings that ultimately did not exist.

During the operation, police seized two mobile phones from Khan, believed to contain crucial evidence that could reveal the full scope of his activities and identify further victims. 

“We have been tracking this individual for some time due to the rising number of complaints regarding fake hotel bookings,” a senior officer said. “His arrest demonstrates our ongoing commitment to tackling cybercrime and protecting Delhi’s residents from such schemes.”

Investigators have also identified an accomplice, Naseem, who remains absconding. Efforts to apprehend him are ongoing, and police have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to his arrest.

Authorities emphasised the growing threat of cybercrime in India, particularly as digital transactions and online services proliferate. 

The Delhi Police have urged citizens to be vigilant when making online hotel bookings and to always verify the authenticity of websites before entering personal or financial details.

To counter the rising tide of online fraud, the Delhi Police have intensified public awareness campaigns on cyber safety and strengthened dedicated cybercrime units to respond promptly to complaints. 

Police have invited victims of the scam to come forward and share their experiences as the investigation widens to dismantle the entire network behind the fraudulent operation.