Bangladesh gang lured wealthy men into romantic traps. Police say victims were tortured and blackmailed.

Police in Bangladesh have arrested five people, including two women, accused of luring wealthy men into romantic relationships before blackmailing them with intimate videos.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police detective chief Shafiqul Islam said Sunday that investigators tracked down the suspects in Dhaka’s Turag area after receiving complaints from four victims.

Police identified the alleged ringleader as Jit Bhakta, 38. Four others, including his nephew and the nephew’s wife, were also arrested.

Investigators said the women used fake identities on social media to attract victims and persuade them to visit designated locations. Male accomplices then allegedly held the men hostage, physically assaulted them, and recorded compromising footage.

The suspects threatened to distribute the recordings unless victims paid money. Police said the extortion continued even after initial payments.

Officers recovered five phones, three blank checks, and equipment allegedly used for torture. A criminal case has been filed.