The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has taken action against 120 online entities for allegedly engaging in prostitution, sharing obscene content, and deceiving the public on social media platforms and websites. These entities, including Instagram handles, Facebook pages, and various websites, are accused of running illegal escort services and misleading people. Investigators discovered a network of social media profiles and web links in Ahmedabad displaying explicit images and videos to attract customers.
Specialized technical analysis revealed a coordinated effort to circulate obscene content disguised as escort services using artificial intelligence tools. The profiles advertised specific rates for services in Ahmedabad, shared contact details, and facilitated illegal transactions through mobile numbers and UPI IDs. Victims were lured into making online payments through UPI, only to be cheated later, resulting in financial losses. These activities not only violate the law but also degrade women by portraying them in a derogatory manner on public platforms.
The case has been classified as “sensitive” to protect victims’ privacy and preserve digital evidence integrity. Legal action has been initiated under various provisions, including those related to insulting women’s dignity, public obscenity, and cheating, as well as relevant sections of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, and the Information Technology Act, 2000. Authorities emphasized the need for enhanced monitoring and enforcement to address the misuse of emerging technologies, such as AI-generated explicit content, which has been a growing concern online.
The public has been urged to exercise caution, avoid engaging with unverified social media profiles, and refrain from transferring money to unfamiliar UPI IDs. Further investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for running and benefiting from the alleged illegal activities.
