Police in Surat have arrested a local man accused of extorting nearly ₹60 lakh and gold ornaments from his US-based wife in a case that has raised serious concerns about online marriages and financial exploitation. The accused, identified as Aijaz Patel, allegedly also took control of a residential flat owned by the woman in Hyderabad.
According to the First Information Report lodged by the woman’s brother, she was previously married in 2014 and later moved to the United States with her then-husband, who worked in the IT sector. During that marriage, a flat was purchased in her name in Hyderabad. The couple divorced in 2020 following marital disputes and began living separately.
In 2023, the woman came into contact with Patel after ordering clothes from a Surat-based store where he was employed. Their professional interaction gradually turned personal, and the two developed a relationship. They met in Hyderabad in January 2024, where she stayed for nearly 20 days. During this period, Patel allegedly gained her trust and took possession of the keys to her flat.
In March 2024, Patel allegedly accompanied her to Saudi Arabia, where she converted to Islam. After she returned to the United States, the two reportedly solemnized their marriage online. For a few months, the relationship appeared stable. However, the complaint states that Patel soon began pressuring her to arrange his travel to the United States. When he failed to secure a visa, his conduct allegedly changed.
Police claim that Patel began demanding money and blackmailing her through WhatsApp messages and emails. Over time, approximately ₹60 lakh was allegedly transferred to him. The situation escalated further in 2025 when the woman was reportedly called to Indonesia by Patel, where they stayed together for six days.
Later, Patel allegedly requested that gold ornaments be delivered to his Surat residence, assuring the woman that the jewellery would be sent to her in the United States. Trusting him, her brother delivered around 18 tolas of gold. The ornaments, however, were never returned.
When the woman demanded the return of her money, gold, and flat keys, Patel allegedly abused and threatened her. Feeling harassed and deceived, the family approached the police. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and further investigation is underway.
Officials said they are examining financial transactions, digital communications, and property documents as part of the probe. Authorities have also urged people entering cross-border matrimonial alliances to exercise caution, particularly when financial transactions and property matters are involved.
The arrest has brought temporary relief to the complainant’s family, but investigators say the case remains under active examination to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud.