ANDHRA PRADESH: Vizag Police Smash Human Trafficking, Cybercrime Rings
Crackdown on Trafficking Networks
Visakhapatnam Police, under Commissioner Shankabrata Bagchi, intensified operations against human trafficking and cybercrime syndicates. The initiative targets gangs luring unemployed youth to Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos with deceptive job offers.
Deceptive Recruitment Tactics
Unscrupulous agents exploit vulnerable youth with promises of lucrative data entry jobs, only to ensnare them in Chinese-operated cybercrime networks. Victims are coerced into fraudulent schemes, including fake social media profiles, investment scams, and phishing operations.
Recent Arrests
On July 14, police apprehended Suresh, alias Adilakshmi, at Visakhapatnam airport for attempting to traffic four youths to Cambodia. Investigations revealed Suresh’s prior involvement in a Cambodian scam operation and his role in trafficking 12 individuals.
Seizures and Rescues
Authorities seized two cellphones, Rs. 50,000, $2,000 USD, and 20 SIM cards from the suspects. Additionally, 85 victims trafficked to Cambodia and Myanmar have been safely repatriated, with efforts ongoing to rescue approximately 500 others from Uttarandhra.
Modus Operandi Exposed
Traffickers use visiting visas to transport victims, who are then forced into cybercrimes like “pig butchering” scams, honeytraps, and digital arrests. These operations generate illicit revenues by targeting unsuspecting individuals globally.
Legal Actions and Warnings
Visakhapatnam Police have arrested 22 individuals across nine cases, invoking the Immigration Act of 1983 against unauthorized agents. Commissioner Bagchi urged the public to verify agents and report suspicious activities via the dedicated helpline 7995095799 or 1930.
Community Vigilance Advised
The police emphasized the need for caution among youth and parents, recommending engagement only with registered recruitment agencies. This crackdown underscores the urgency of addressing the nexus of human trafficking and cybercrime in the region.