Romance Scammer Sentenced to 25 Years for Hostage-Taking. The Venezuelan nationwide lured US residents by way of on-line relationship and held them at knifepoint. Study concerning the case and keep protected on-line.
A Venezuelan nationwide, Deivy Jose Rodriguez Delgado, often known as “Sebastian,” has been sentenced to 25 years in jail for on-line relationship scams, romance scams specifically, resulting in a sequence of hostage conditions concentrating on Americans within the Dominican Republic.
Delgado, 30, exploited on-line relationship platforms to bait his victims. Between July 5 and July 30, 2022, he used this tactic to kidnap three separate victims. In every case, Delgado picked up his sufferer, solely to cease shortly after and permit an confederate to enter the automobile. The victims have been then held at knifepoint, restrained, and threatened whereas Delgado and his confederate demanded ransom funds.
In line with a press launch from the US Division of Justice (DOJ), Delgado compelled his victims to contact household and buddies, pleading for cash to safe their launch. He directed the ransom funds to on-line banking accounts, together with a CashApp account. The victims have been held captive for as much as an hour, robbed of their belongings, and launched solely after Delgado believed the ransom had been paid.
Dominican authorities launched an investigation in August 2022, after receiving experiences from a number of victims. They traced a automobile utilized in one of many kidnappings again to Delgado, resulting in his arrest on September 14, 2022. Two serrated knives, much like these used within the crimes, have been found throughout a search of the automobile.
Staying Secure On-line
This case reveals the dangers of on-line relationship, the place seemingly innocent interactions can result in real-life risks. When assembly somebody from a relationship app for the primary time, prioritize security by selecting public locations and informing trusted contacts of your plans.
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