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Intelligence Alert: Child Exploitation Scheme Uses Food Bribery to Execute High-Value Theft Operation

Agency Source: Times of India Bureau Release: February 2, 2026 | 22:31 IST
Primary Intelligence Visual
A sophisticated child exploitation operation has been uncovered involving the systematic grooming of a minor for high-value asset theft. According to official police reports and a formal complaint filed by the victim's father—a temple priest—the perpetrators executed a multi-phase psychological manipulation strategy. Initial contact was established through a roadside food stall, where vendors provided complimentary 'momo' dumplings to a 12-year-old boy, building rapport through repeated small gestures. This evolved into a calculated trust-building campaign involving additional food items, nominal monetary gifts, and feigned personal loyalty. Once emotional dependency was established, operatives transitioned to persuasion tactics, ultimately convincing the child to surreptitiously remove jewelry from his family residence. The total estimated value of stolen assets exceeds ₹850,000 (approximately $10,200 USD). This case represents a concerning modus operandi targeting juvenile vulnerability, bypassing traditional security measures through social engineering. Authorities are analyzing the incident for potential links to organized crime networks specializing in non-violent property crimes. The intelligence community emphasizes heightened vigilance regarding unconventional grooming methods targeting minors in domestic settings.

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