Mon Feb 23 02:06:15 UTC 2026: ### Delhi Police Grapples with Evolving Extortion Tactics as Gangs Target New Demographics

The Story:
Delhi Police are facing a surge in extortion cases, with gangs increasingly targeting small-time property dealers, gym owners, social media influencers, and other individuals not traditionally considered high-profile targets. These gangs, often operating from abroad and leveraging Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and social media for recruitment and communication, demand protection money under threat of violence. Recent incidents include shootings at the homes of a property dealer in West Vinod Nagar and a gym owned by social media influencers in West Delhi, both preceded by extortion calls demanding Rs 5 crore.

The police investigation reveals a disturbing trend of hiring young individuals, even minors, through online platforms like Signal and Zangi, promising them money and weapons in exchange for carrying out these acts of intimidation. The gangs, often invoking the names of notorious figures like Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, are expanding their network and reach through social media, capitalizing on unemployment and criminal tendencies among young men.

Key Points:

  • An East Delhi property dealer and a West Delhi gym owner (social media influencers) received extortion calls demanding Rs 5 crore each.
  • Shooting incidents occurred at both locations, carried out by two teenagers hired through social media.
  • Randeep Malik, allegedly associated with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, claimed responsibility for the shootings via Facebook.
  • The gangs are using VoIP calls and social media to recruit shooters and communicate, masking their physical locations.
  • Targets are now including property dealers, gym owners, social media influencers, and other “minor” celebrities.
  • The Delhi Police Special Cell is mapping clubs and bars frequented by potential targets and screening staff for potential information leaks.
  • The extortion model mirrors that of the Mumbai underworld, with dons operating from abroad.
  • The trend of extortion syndicates has become more active since the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022.
  • Gangs like Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar, Himanshu Bhau, and Rohit Godara are involved in these extortion rackets.
  • Shooters are promised around Rs 50,000 for the job and are recruited through social media platforms.

Key Takeaways:

  • Extortion in Delhi is evolving, with gangs utilizing technology to target a broader range of individuals.
  • Social media is playing a significant role in recruitment and communication for these criminal enterprises.
  • The influence of gangsters operating from abroad is growing, posing a challenge to law enforcement.
  • The fear of police scrutiny prevents many victims from reporting extortion attempts, hindering effective investigations.
  • Delhi Police are adapting their strategies to counter these new tactics, including mapping locations frequented by potential targets and screening staff.

Impact Analysis:

The shift in extortion targets and tactics has significant long-term implications for Delhi’s security landscape. The targeting of less affluent individuals creates a climate of fear among small business owners and online personalities, potentially stifling economic activity and online expression. The online recruitment of young individuals highlights the need for preventative measures to address unemployment and criminal tendencies. The dependence on technology by the gangs indicates a need for law enforcement to invest in digital forensics and intelligence gathering capabilities. The success of Delhi Police in infiltrating information networks of gangsters will determine the future impact this will have in deterring criminal activity.

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