Detectives investigating a series of dating scams across north and central London have arrested a man.

The victims, who were all women, were contacted on social media by a man claiming to a millionaire from Monaco.

The suspect would offer large sums of money in return for a date or other activities.

Victims were asked to pay for hotels with a promise of a refund that is never forthcoming.

When they questioned the lack of repayment they were threatened.

The offences were committed from 2021 to 2024.

On Friday, 16 February, a 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud, non-fatal strangulation, threats to disclose intimate images and obtaining services dishonestly.

He was taken to a west London police station, where he remains at this time.

Detective Superintendent Adam Rowland said: “This arrest is the direct result of information provided by four different women who reported they had fallen victim to a convincing web of lies spun by an online fraudster.

“We know that the effects of being a victim of fraud run far deeper than financial loss, particularly where intimacy is involved and we are supporting the victims.

“Some people affected by scams of an intimate nature may be too embarrassed to come forward, but this is what fraudsters hope for. Please don’t suffer in silence, if you have fallen victim to a scammer do get in touch.”

Anyone with information or who believes they have been a victim should call police on 101 quoting 3817/16Feb.