Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Locanto App Honeytrap Racket Busted in Bengaluru
In Bengaluru, a group of 11 people were arrested for tricking men through the Locanto app.
They promised to arrange meetings with women but instead kidnapped and robbed the men.
The gang used fake profiles on the app to lure victims to a specific location, where they were assaulted and robbed of their belongings.
Police seized several vehicles, phones, and other items from the gang.
The investigation is ongoing to find more victims and determine if the gang was involved in similar crimes.
Police advise people to be careful when responding to online ads for companionship.
11 people arrested for kidnapping and robbing men lured through the Locanto app.
Gang created fake profiles on Locanto to convince victims to meet women.
Victims were kidnapped, assaulted, and robbed of cash, phones, and valuables.
Police seized 2 autorickshaws, 4 motorcycles, 13 phones, and other items.
Investigation ongoing to identify more victims and similar crimes.
- Who
- 11 members of a criminal gang, including Chetan Manu, Shabu, Manjunath, Jayakumar, Arun Keerthi, Kantha Raju, and Sandeep
- What
- Kidnapping and robbery of men lured through the Locanto app
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- Bengaluru, India
- Why
- To rob victims of cash, mobile phones, gold chains, and other valuables
Law Enforcement
Criminal Gang
Use of Technology
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement used technical evidence and field intelligence to track and arrest the gang members.
Criminal Gang
The gang used the Locanto app to create fake profiles and lure victims.
Victim Interaction
Law Enforcement
Police advise citizens to exercise caution and avoid meeting unknown persons through online platforms.
Criminal Gang
The gang convinced victims to meet by promising companionship with women.
- Location
- Bengaluru, India
- Arrested Individuals
- 11
- Absconding Suspects
- 2
- Seized Items
- 2 autorickshaws, 4 motorcycles, 13 mobile phones, cash, and other incriminating materials
- Modus Operandi
- Created fake profiles on Locanto app, lured victims, kidnapped, and robbed them
- Investigation Status
- Ongoing