GURUGRAM: In a striking cross-continental pursuit of justice, an Italian jewellery designer flew all the way to India after discovering she had allegedly fallen victim to an online romance scam orchestrated by a Gurugram resident. The Gurugram Cyber Police have registered a formal First Information Report (FIR) and launched an investigation to track down the suspect.

According to police sources, the victim, Daniela De Pietri, connected with the accused on social media roughly six months ago. The man introduced himself as a fashion designer based in Gurugram. Over the following weeks, the relationship quickly escalated into what investigators described as a textbook "love-bombing" campaign. The suspect showered her with attention, even creating promotional videos for her jewellery business free of charge while pledging intentions of marriage 

However, the dynamic shifted after the initial courtship phase. The accused claimed he had lost his job and began asking for financial assistance. Believing in his promises and future partnership, the Italian national transferred a total of nearly 1,000 euros across multiple installments—including €450 on August 4 and another €450 on September 9. Shortly after receiving the funds, the man abruptly cut off all communication, blocked her, and stopped supporting her business.

Realizing she had been cheated, the victim initially attempted to file a complaint with local authorities in Italy. Frustrated by administrative hurdles, potential transnational delays, and what she perceived as a lack of urgent action regarding online fraud overseas, she decided to take matters into her own hands.

In late September, she reached out directly to Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Gaurav Phogat via Instagram and WhatsApp. Determined to hold the culprit accountable not just for the money, but for the profound breach of trust, she booked a flight to Delhi, landed at the IGI Airport, and walked straight into the Cyber Crime West police station.

"She was determined to bring him to justice," ACP Gaurav Phogat stated. "She told us that it was not just about the money duped from her, but that the suspect had broken her trust and may be using the same modus operandi to target women globally."

Following her formal statement, Gurugram Police registered a case under Section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating. Technical cells are currently scrutinizing digital communications, social media footprints, and the suspect's bank account trails.

"A search for the accused has been launched based on technical surveillance and bank account details. The accused will be arrested soon," ACP Phogat assured.

Before flying back to Italy, the victim expressed profound gratitude to the Gurugram Police cyber team for their swift empathy and professional intervention, hoping her case serves as a deterrent to online fraudsters targeting cross-border victims.