69-year-old man arrested for allegedly cheating over 300 luxury hotels across India

Raipur Police have arrested a 69-year-old man, identified as Bingson John, for allegedly cheating more than 300 luxury hotels across India over the past 36 years. The accused was arrested in Odisha's Bhubaneswar after a complaint was filed by a five-star hotel in Raipur, where he allegedly stayed without paying his bills and stole hotel property.

According to investigators, John posed as a foreign tour guide, English teacher, or yoga instructor to gain the trust of hotel staff. He allegedly checked into luxury hotels, availed premium services, and then left without clearing the bills.

In the latest case, police said he stayed at the Hyatt Hotel in Raipur, failed to pay a bill of ₹63,755, and allegedly took away a laptop worth around ₹1.48 lakh before disappearing. Technical analysis later helped police trace and arrest him in Bhubaneswar.

During interrogation, John reportedly told police that he drew inspiration from serial killer Charles Sobhraj and adopted similar methods of deception. Police said criminal cases have been registered against him in more than 10 states, and he has spent over 15 years in various prisons, including Delhi's Tihar Jail. The investigation is ongoing.