Kerala Couple Arrested for Blackmailing and Rs. 30 Crore Extortion Attempt
A shocking case of fraud and blackmail has emerged from Kerala, where a couple was arrested for running a fake media operation and attempting to extort ₹30 crore from a former employer. The incident has sparked widespread debate about the misuse of digital journalism and the growing threat of media-based extortion in India.
The arrested couple had been presenting themselves as journalists through a self-run online news platform. Behind the scenes, however, they were allegedly engaged in systematic blackmail. Their modus operandi involved threatening prominent individuals, including businessmen and officials, with fabricated or exaggerated “exposés.” The couple would demand large sums of money in exchange for withholding damaging stories or videos that could tarnish the victim’s reputation.
The most high-profile accusation against the couple centers around their former boss — a businessman from whom they allegedly tried to extort a staggering ₹30 crore. Reports suggest that the duo had previously worked under him and used their access to internal information and professional relationships to build a narrative of corruption and misconduct. They then used this material as leverage, threatening to launch a public smear campaign through their so-called media outlet unless he paid the demanded amount.
According to authorities, the couple created edited video content and scripts that were meant to be released online as part of their extortion campaign. The threats were carefully constructed and repeated over time, placing immense psychological pressure on the victim. However, instead of yielding to the demands, the businessman filed a complaint, prompting law enforcement agencies to act swiftly.
The police began surveillance operations and gathered digital evidence, including mobile recordings, email exchanges, and video files prepared for publication. Their findings revealed a larger pattern: the couple had approached several other individuals with similar threats, demanding money under the pretense of advertising or settlement fees. The total sum involved in their alleged crimes could potentially reach tens of crores.
The case has stirred alarm across Kerala and beyond, not just because of the scale of the crime, but because of the way journalism was misused as a tool for personal gain. By exploiting the blurred boundaries of digital media, the couple managed to masquerade as journalists for months without raising suspicion. Their online platform appeared legitimate to the public, even attracting some viewers who were unaware of its true purpose.
This incident of attempted extortion throws light on a troubling trend — the weaponization of media in the digital age. As platforms become easier to launch and access, individuals without formal training or ethical grounding can pose as reporters and manipulate public opinion. In this case, the illusion of journalism was used to silence and extort.
Law enforcement officials have condemned the actions of the accused, emphasizing that such criminal misuse of media undermines the trust that society places in the press. They have assured that a thorough investigation is underway and that additional victims and accomplices, if any, will be identified and brought to justice.
In the wake of this scandal, there are growing calls for regulatory frameworks to ensure transparency and accountability among independent media outlets. While press freedom remains a cornerstone of democracy, it is increasingly clear that safeguards are needed to prevent abuse by individuals operating outside of ethical boundaries.
The arrest of the Kerala couple is more than just a crime story — it is a wake-up call. This attempt of extortion underscores the need for media literacy among the public, robust legal deterrents against digital extortion, and a renewed commitment to protecting the credibility of honest journalism. As the investigation continues, many hope it will lead not only to justice for the victims but also to structural reforms that prevent similar abuses in the future.
