MUMBAI: A 40-year-old woman has been arrested by the city Crime Branch for allegedly extorting nearly Rs 4 crore from a 61-year-old jewellery shop owner by threatening to circulate video recordings of him watching her while she undressed or bathed. Unit 7 of the Crime Branch arrested Naznin Mehmood, a resident of VP Road in south Mumbai.According to the police, the accused became acquainted with the complainant through visits to the jewellery shop where he worked. The two exchanged mobile numbers and remained in contact. The complainant alleged that she subsequently recorded video calls and used the recordings to blackmail him.The alleged extortion continued from February 2025 to August 2026, during which the complainant claimed to have paid approximately Rs 4 crore in cash and through online transactions. The accused allegedly told him that the recordings had reached the Chennai Police and other authorities and demanded money to have them deleted or prevent their circulation.The woman initially sought money, claiming that she needed to settle the matter with the police. She subsequently allegedly claimed that payments had to be made to court officials, senior police officers and other authorities to ensure that the recordings were deleted.The complainant alleged that he raised money by selling gold and making payments in instalments. He also claimed that the woman threatened to break his hands and legs and kill him if he failed to meet her demands. Even after he had paid Rs 4 crore, the woman allegedly demanded another Rs 15 lakh, threatening to visit his residence and workplace and circulate the recordings online if he failed to pay by October 18, the complaint stated.Acting on his complaint, the Crime Branch team laid a trap and arrested Naznin. The police are investigating how the alleged extortion proceeds were collected and where the money went. Investigators are also verifying the complainant’s claim that he paid approximately Rs 4 crore over several months, including through online transactions.The role of any other persons who may have assisted the accused, as well as the authenticity of her claims that the police and other authorities possessed the recordings, is also under investigation.
