Jharkhand CID Dismantles International Cyber Slavery Network
2 min readRanchi: On August 8, 2024, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Ranchi, Jharkhand, announced the arrest of two agents involved in trafficking victims for cyber slavery in Southeast Asia. These agents, operating in collusion with Indian and Chinese nationals, lured individuals with fake job offers and forced them to work in scam centers in Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos.
Arrests and Investigations
The CID launched an extensive investigation following numerous complaints from victims misled by promises of lucrative job opportunities abroad. These victims found themselves trapped in scam centers in Cambodia, specifically in Sihanoukville, and in Chiang Rai, Thailand. They were coerced into participating in cyber scams under threats and inhumane conditions.
The investigation tracked financial transactions and communication networks, coordinating with the Protector of Emigrants and the Regional Passport Office. This coordination provided crucial information about unregistered recruitment agents in Jharkhand. Based on this information, two agents were arrested: Waseem Khan from Giridih and Yamuna Kumar Rana from Koderma. Evidence linking them to the trafficking ring and their overseas counterparts was seized.
SIMILAR STORIES : Kerala Police Busts Cyber Gang: 04 Arrested, Wanted in 501 Cases Across 30 States and UTs
Modus Operandi
The victims were contacted by unregistered agents offering data entry jobs in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. They were asked to deposit money for visas and tickets and were sent to Cambodia through Vietnam and Thailand. Upon arrival, they were trained in scam operations and instructed to create fake accounts on social media platforms to lure potential victims with attractive investment offers. The victims were then forced to work under harsh conditions, with their passports seized and freedom restricted.
Public Awareness and Safety
The CID advises individuals to exercise caution when dealing with overseas job offers, especially those that seem too good to be true. Verifying the authenticity of such offers through official channels is crucial to avoiding falling victim to these schemes. The CID encourages people to report any details regarding agents involved in trafficking to cyberps@jhpolice.gov.in or mobile: 7004974707.
ALSO READ: Banking Frauds? TRAI’s ‘160’ is Your Safety Net
Recovery
During the operation, the CID recovered incriminating evidence, including a mobile number, passbook, checkbooks related to transactions, a laptop, a pen drive, and biodata, passport, and visa details of people sent abroad.
Photographs
The CID shared photographs of the scam centers operating in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, as provided by rescued victims. These centers are located in the LONG FENG XUAN CASINO.