AIIMS Researcher Falls Victim to ‘Foreign Dreamgirl’, Loses Lakhs in Dating App Scam

A 34-year-old AIIMS researcher became the latest victim of an elaborate romance scam after he matched with a “foreign woman” on a dating application—only to later discover he was communicating with an international cybercriminal.

The victim, who believed he had found a genuine emotional connection, was lured into a fake investment scheme and cheated out of nearly ₹2 lakh.

Tricked with a Fake Oil Trade Scheme

Delhi Police revealed that the scammer—posing as a foreign woman employed at a beauty products company—introduced the researcher to a supposedly lucrative “oil trade business.”

He was told that a rare essential oil bought from Assam at ₹2 lakh per litre could be sold for ₹3.5 lakh per litre.

Convinced by the scammer’s confidence and emotional manipulation, the researcher transferred ₹1.90 lakh.

The scammer vanished shortly afterward and blocked all communication.

Ugandan Fraudster Arrested from Burari

Investigators traced the digital trail to 38-year-old Ugandan national Michael Iga, who had been staying illegally in India.

He operated multiple fake online identities across dating apps and social media, using attractive female profiles to deceive victims.

The cyber team tracked him to Burari, North Delhi, and apprehended him along with devices used for managing his fraudulent network.

200 Premises Raided, Links to 14 Fraud Cases Found

Police raided over 200 apartments across Delhi-NCR, uncovering several phones, SIM cards and forged documents.

Digital forensic analysis revealed Iga’s involvement in at least 14 cyber fraud cases, many of which followed the same pattern—romantic manipulation followed by fake investment schemes.

He used foreign IPs and VPNs to hide his tracks, making his operations harder to detect.

Confession and Embassy Notification

During interrogation, the accused confessed to orchestrating a series of romance scams targeting educated professionals.

Delhi Police have notified the Ugandan Embassy, and efforts are underway to identify other international associates who may be linked to the racket.

Officials have urged the public to exercise caution while interacting with strangers online, particularly on dating and investment platforms.

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