Tinder Dating Scam in Mumbai: 10 Friends Conduct Sting Operation, Bust Fraud Operating at Heaven Terrace 72 Cafe in Andheri; 8 Arrested
A group of friends in Mumbai conducted a sting operation to bust a Tinder dating scam at Heaven Terrace 72 Cafe in Andheri. After a decoy was billed INR 18,616 for six shots, police arrested eight people. The gang used fake profiles to lure men to the venue, where bouncers allegedly used threats to enforce inflated bills. The café had no valid license.
Mumbai, March 17: In a self-styled sting operation, a group of ten friends turned detectives to expose a predatory dating app racket operating out of an Andheri East establishment. The operation led to a police raid on Heaven Terrace 72 Café in Sakinaka on March 13, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals. The group took action after one of their friends was allegedly swindled of INR 15,000 during a recent date at the same venue, uncovering a systematic "date trap" designed to extort money through inflated bills.
Under the supervision of DCP Datta Nalawade (Zone X), the Sakinaka police moved in after a decoy from the group successfully lured the scammers into a trap. Aisle Dating App Scam: Mumbai Man Duped of INR 10,000 at Thane Bar After Receiving Bill of INR 24,000, Says 'She Kept On Ordering Blue Label Until She Had 4' (See Pics).
The 'Honey Trap' Modus Operandi Used by Scammers
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the gang utilized fake female profiles on Tinder to attract unsuspecting men. After a brief period of chatting, the women would invite their matches to meet near the Sakinaka Metro station before steering them toward Heaven Terrace 72 Café. Once inside, the women would rapidly order expensive liquor and food. In the decoy case, the woman reportedly ordered six tequila shots within 40 minutes, racking up a bill of NR 18,616. Victims who questioned the exorbitant pricing were allegedly intimidated by café staff and bouncers, who threatened to file false s*xual assault charges if the bills were not settled immediately.
Victim's Friends Lead the Sting Operation
The initiative was spearheaded by Pankaj Yadav, a 38-year-old textile businessman and member of a local NGO. Motivated by a friend’s previous loss, the group created multiple Tinder profiles to engage with suspected scammers. "We sought to create awareness about this racket so that no one else becomes a victim," Yadav stated. The group monitored the interactions closely until a woman named "Mahira" matched with Yadav and suggested the specific Sakinaka location, confirming the establishment's involvement in the recurring scam.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings Against the Arrested Accused
The Sakinaka police have arrested eight men involved in the operations, identified as:
- Mohsin Zayed Hussain Khan (28)
- Mayank Gulchand Katuria (20)
- Mayur Subhash Didole (27)
- Jatin Arun Kumar (22)
- Faizal Abdul Salam Ali (27)
- Deepak Haripal Das (26)
- Sahil Mahesh Kushwaha (19)
- Rohit Vinod Kumar Sahu (23)
Authorities are currently searching for two to three additional suspects, including a man identified as Nitesh Ambaskar, believed to be a primary coordinator. Charges have been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. Preliminary investigations also revealed that the café was operating without a valid license. Grindr Date Ends in Extortion Plot Over Nude Video Threat in Mumbai, Man Loses INR 30,000.
Growing Trend of Dating App Fraud
This incident highlights a rising trend of "cashing in" on dating app users in major metropolitan hubs. Similar rackets have recently been reported in Delhi and Bengaluru, where establishments collaborate with individuals to inflate guest checks. Police have advised citizens to be cautious of matches who insist on visiting specific, unfamiliar venues immediately upon meeting.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 17, 2026 01:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).