Perth Man Abhishek Shukla’s $650K Matrimonial Scam Revealed

A Perth man posed as a doctor seeking marriage. A Delhi woman in Pune lost ₹3.6 crore and more. With over 3,000 other women potentially targeted, the Abhishek Shukla case has become a wake-up call for singles navigating modern matchmaking across borders.

On 25 June 2025, Indian authorities arrested Abhishek Shukla, a man of Indian origin residing in Perth, Western Australia, as he landed at Mumbai International Airport from Singapore. Using the false identity of “Dr Rohit Oberoi,” Shukla had allegedly used matrimonial platforms to manipulate a Delhi-born woman now living in Kharadi, Pune, into transferring approx. AUD $650,000.

Their relationship began in 2023 via a matrimonial site and quickly evolved into a live-in arrangement across Pune and other Indian cities, deepening the victim’s belief that the connection was real.

Shukla allegedly convinced the woman that he needed funds to expand a business venture involving supposed international partners. He introduced her to fictitious individuals named Evon/Yvonne Handayani and Vincent Kuan, whom he claimed were based in Singapore. The victim, who had earlier received a ₹5 crore alimony settlement, believed she was supporting a shared future and purpose, particularly a mindfulness and education-based project they discussed launching together.

Large portions of the money were routed to bank accounts in Singapore and India, according to investigators.

During the investigation, Pune Police uncovered digital evidence suggesting that Shukla had contacted over 3,000 women using multiple fake matrimonial profiles. These weren’t simply copied-and-pasted scams, they were tailored efforts designed to manipulate emotionally, financially, or socially vulnerable women, many of whom remain unaware they were being groomed.

This discovery has triggered public appeals from law enforcement encouraging more victims to come forward, particularly those who may have interacted with “Dr Rohit Oberoi” or any of his fictitious business partners.

Abhishek Shukla has been charged under the following Indian laws:

1. Section 419 (IPC) – Cheating by personation
2. Section 420 (IPC) – Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property
3. Section 465 (IPC) – Forgery
4. Section 468 (IPC) – Forgery for the purpose of cheating
5. Section 66D (IT Act, 2000) – Cheating using computer resources

There is no evidence that Section 376 (rape) has been applied in this case, contrary to some earlier media misreporting. The charges currently focus on forgery, impersonation, and cyber-enabled financial fraud.

While the Shukla case spotlights an India-based victim targeted by an NRI, community watchdogs have observed the reverse trend as well. Indian Australians, especially men, have increasingly reported being targeted by individuals in India posing as professionals or ideal partners. Once trust is gained, these scams often escalate into financial exploitation, visa fraud, or identity theft.

This reflects a bilateral vulnerability in diaspora matchmaking, where both directions of trust are now being exploited, with equally devastating effects.

The Shukla case also highlights the fading distinction between dating apps and matrimonial platforms. Regardless of platform, the risks of emotional fraud remain high. Here are some key editorial safety reminders for those navigating love in a digital, diaspora-connected world:

• Always verify identities through official bodies (AHPRA, ABN Lookup)
• Do not send money based on promises, documents, or emotional urgency
• Check for reverse image matches of profile photos
• Involve trusted family members early in serious cross-border matches
• Meet in person before any emotional, financial, or legal commitments

For many Indian families, Australia symbolises success, stability, and upward mobility. Shukla allegedly used this to his advantage, combining a polished profile with emotional cues rooted in shared culture.

This case underscores the urgent need for diaspora families to shift from emotional assurance to digital and legal due diligence. With fraudsters increasingly equipped with cross-border access, cultural knowledge, and psychological manipulation tactics, trust alone is no longer enough.

The Abhishek Shukla case is not just a criminal investigation. It is a wake-up call for anyone seeking love, partnership, or investment through cross-border channels. As communities grow more connected, so do the opportunities for deception.

What singles can learn is this: verifying someone’s identity and intentions is not a sign of mistrust, it is a form of self-respect.