Four human traffickers operating in international cybercrime networks have been apprehended by the Dhoraji police in Rajkot district, Gujarat. These individuals were involved in recruiting job seekers to participate in cybercrime activities in the remote jungles on the Thailand-Myanmar border. The arrests came after three local men managed to escape from the clutches of the traffickers and reported their ordeal to the authorities in early April.
The suspects, identified as Rizwan Kapadvanji, Mehul alias Martin Rajpopat, Bharat Vadher, and Punit Vadher, were all residents of Rajkot. Among them, Mehul was the alleged mastermind in Gujarat, responsible for identifying individuals with computer skills who were seeking opportunities to work abroad. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Simran Bhardwaj, the cybercrime rings targeted individuals in affluent countries like the US, using various schemes to extort money and exploit vulnerable victims.
The victims who escaped from the cybercrime syndicates recounted a harrowing experience of being lured under false pretenses to work in Bangkok, only to be taken to the Myanmar border. Stripped of their belongings, including passports and mobile phones, they were abandoned in the forest and left to fend for themselves. Fortunately, they were aided by a compassionate military officer who helped them navigate their way to safety and eventually back to India with the assistance of the Indian embassy.
Further investigation revealed that the recruits were coerced into working at a center known as KK Park in Myanmar, which served as a hub for cyber scamming operations. Those who refused to comply with the demands of the traffickers were subjected to harsh conditions, including long hours of work and deprivation of meals. The scale of the human trafficking network transporting Indian nationals to Myanmar has prompted the involvement of agencies like the CBI, NIA, and the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre(I4C) in the probe.
In a separate incident, an operation led by the Indian military rescued over 200 individuals stranded at the Thai-Myanmar border after being rescued from scam call centers in Myanmar. The coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies have been instrumental in dismantling these illicit networks and ensuring the safety and well-being of the victims.
The arrest of the four perpetrators highlights the pervasive nature of human trafficking and cybercrime activities, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and collaboration among law enforcement agencies to combat such illicit practices. The victims’ testimonies serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals seeking opportunities abroad and the importance of safeguarding against exploitation and abuse.