An actor has been arrested in Chennai on charges of cheating and extortion, marking another instance of such crimes involving individuals from the city’s film fraternity. The arrest highlights a persistent issue of financial fraud and blackmail within the region.
Recent reports indicate a pattern of such offenses in Chennai. In February 2023, two brothers were apprehended for allegedly using fake profiles of actors to swindle money from women. They reportedly befriended victims on social media, morphed their photos, and threatened to release them online if demands for money were not met.
More recently, in September 2026, a television actress, known for her participation in a popular reality show, was arrested by Guindy police. She was accused of cheating a young man out of ₹5 lakh by promising to produce a short film. The complaint detailed how the victim paid the money, but the film was never made. When he asked for his money back, he was allegedly attacked, and his mobile phones and cash were forcibly taken. Further threats were made, demanding more money or facing false accusations.
These incidents follow a trend seen in previous years. In September 2021, a 26-year-old man was arrested by the Greater Chennai Police cybercrime wing for extorting money and gold from college students and married women. He reportedly used social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp to gain trust, then blackmailed victims with screenshots of their private conversations. In another case from August 2026, a 46-year-old man was arrested for luring a woman actor with film offers, then allegedly sexually assaulting her and extorting ₹2 lakh and gold jewelry by threatening to release an obscene video.
The involvement of law enforcement in addressing these cases underscores the seriousness of the crimes. In a separate but related incident in January 2021, three women, including a police inspector, were booked for attempting to extort money from a businessman to close a cheating and dowry harassment case.
These recurring arrests for cheating and extortion, often involving deception through social media or false promises, indicate a significant challenge for law enforcement in Chennai and a cause for concern among the public.
The Chenab Times News Desk