Three Arrested in Uttarakhand for Human Trafficking Linked to Cybercrime
Uttarakhand Police have arrested three individuals for allegedly trafficking young job seekers to Myanmar and forcing them into cybercrime operations. The arrests followed numerous complaints from families whose children were trapped under brutal conditions.
How the Scam Worked
The accused—Rakesh Kumar, Vikas Singh, and Deepak Sharma—posed as recruitment agents, offering fake high-paying jobs in Thailand and Singapore. Victims were illegally transported to Myanmar, confined in compounds, and coerced into running online scams.
- Tactics Used:
- Impersonating law enforcement, bank officials, or romantic interests to defraud victims globally.
- Severe abuse, including beatings and threats, for non-compliance.
Police Crackdown and Rescue Efforts
After a victim escaped and alerted authorities, Uttarakhand Police collaborated with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Interpol to track the traffickers. The trio was arrested in Dehradun and Haridwar following surveillance.
SSP Dehradun Ajai Singh stated: “This is part of an international cybercrime syndicate. We’re working to rescue more victims.”
Rise in Human Trafficking for Cyber Fraud
This case highlights a growing trend of Indians trapped in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos due to fraudulent job offers. The Indian government has issued multiple warnings, but scams persist via Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
Victim Stories
- Arjun (name changed): “We worked 16-hour days and were beaten for missing targets.”
- Priya (name changed): “They threatened to sell me into prostitution if I refused.”
Legal Action and Government Steps
The accused face charges under:
– IPC Sections 370 (trafficking), 420 (cheating), and 120B (criminal conspiracy).
– Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.
MEA and Myanmar authorities are coordinating repatriations. Union Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized strict action against trafficking networks.
How to Avoid Job Scams
- Verify agencies via MEA’s eMigrate portal.
- Never pay upfront for visas or job guarantees.
- Research companies thoroughly.
- Report fraud to cybercrime helpline 1930 or local police.
Key Takeaway
This case underscores the dangers of fake job offers. Stay vigilant and report suspicious recruitment ads immediately.
—Reported by [Your Name], NextMinuteNews
