Anand Amin, 24, of Rocky Hill, CT was arrested for Larceny in the First Degree by Extortion and Criminal Attempt to Commit Larceny in the First Degree following a five-month investigation sparked by a tip from one of the victims of the scheme.
Amin allegedly posed online as a female talent scout for the fabricated "Gucci Top Modeling" agency and promised great financial benefits to the would-be models, who were required to pay a fee and submit biographical information and nude and/or semi-nude photos to apply.
Police say a number of the applicants were then blackmailed by Amin to pay more money and/or perform sexual acts with him, or risk the consequences of having friends, parents, university officials and law enforcement receive the lewd content they submitted as part of the application.
The investigation began after a former Sacred Heart University student contacted police.
A search of Amin's home confirmed the original victim's accusation and also identified additional victims.
Amin is being held on $100,000 bond and is due back in court at the end of January.
The Detective Bureau encouraged victims who have not already been contacted by detectives to contact them at 203-254-4840.
