GUWAHATI: Maharashtra police have successfully rescued over 60 Indian nationals who were trapped in a large-scale cyber slavery operation based in Myanmar. The victims had been lured with offers of lucrative overseas jobs and were later forced into cybercrime activities by armed rebel groups.
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According to reports, the operation was carried out on Friday, April 11, following inputs that individuals had been trafficked under false pretences. In response, the authorities launched an investigation and ensured the safe repatriation of the victims.
It was also found that job seekers were approached via social media platforms by agents posing as recruiters. These agents facilitated travel to Thailand using tourist visas. Upon arrival, the victims were transported by road to the Thai-Myanmar border and smuggled across a river into Myanmar.
Once inside Myanmar, they were confined in secured compounds operated by cybercrime syndicates. The victims were threatened and coerced into participating in online scams, including fake investment schemes and impersonation-based frauds. The syndicate operated in a structured hierarchy, as entry-level recruits impersonated women to lure targets, mid-level members posed as officials, and senior operatives oversaw financial transactions.
Victims were further forced to sign one-year contracts and denied contact with the outside world. Agents trafficking these individuals earned up to $1,000 per recruit. Maharashtra police has so far registered three FIRs under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
Five individuals have been reportedly arrested, including Manish Grey, also known as Maddy, a small-time actor accused of playing a major role in the operation. Other suspects include Indian nationals and a foreign national, Talaniti Nulaxi, who was allegedly planning to set up a cybercrime unit in India. Investigations indicate operations were spread across Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and India.
The authorities are continuing the probe into the racket, and are currently recording statements from the rescued individuals.
