Gujarat Police Uncovers Major Cyber Fraud and Human Trafficking Network
Major Cyber Fraud Operation Exposed
The Gujarat police have successfully dismantled a significant international cyber fraud and human trafficking operation. The Cyber Center of Excellence apprehended two agents from Surat who were luring unemployed youth with promises of lucrative jobs abroad, only to send them to cyber scam centers in Cambodia and Myanmar. Once there, these individuals were forced into becoming "cyber slaves," engaging in online fraud activities.
Arrested Individuals
- Dhruv Dobariya (Kamrej, Surat)
- Kaushik Pethani (Mota Varachha, Surat)
Both suspects are approximately 35 years old. They were arrested on Wednesday following intelligence reports. Investigations revealed that the duo contacted unemployed individuals via WhatsApp and Telegram, enticing them with job offers in IT companies or data entry positions in Cambodia, Myanmar, or Laos, promising high salaries and easy work.
Modus Operandi of the Scam
The victims were initially transported through Thailand, Dubai, or other countries. Upon arrival, their passports, phones, and documents were confiscated. They were then taken to cyber fraud camps in Myanmar or Cambodia, operated by Chinese mafia groups, where they were coerced into participating in various online scams, including phishing, cryptocurrency fraud, Ponzi schemes, and dating app scams. Those who resisted faced physical and psychological abuse, a situation referred to as "cyber slavery" or "digital slavery."
Ongoing Investigation
The police have seized two high-end smartphones, including an iPhone 17 Pro model, from the arrested suspects. The investigation is ongoing, focusing on identifying other members of the network and locating trapped victims.
This case is linked to a larger cybercrime syndicate operating in Southeast Asia, where thousands of Indian youths have become victims. The Gujarat police have previously apprehended several masterminds in similar cases, but this arrest marks a crucial step in targeting ground-level agents of the network.
Advice for Youth
Young individuals are advised to thoroughly verify job offers received through social media that promise employment abroad and to avoid blindly trusting agents.