Baghpat | November 22, 2025 | Vikas Rana, a young man from Baghpat who was held captive in a so-called cyber slavery hub in Cambodia, has been safely brought back to India. Police sources revealed that Rana was lured abroad by an organised cyber-fraud network under the pretext of a legitimate job and was forced to commit online scams while in illegal custody.
The case highlights the growing threat of international cyber-rackets that lure young individuals from India and other Asian countries with promises of high-paying jobs, only to push them into scam centres across Southeast Asia.
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Case Uncovered Following Wife’s Complaint
Vikas Rana, a resident of Ghenoura Silver Nagar, had travelled to Cambodia in search of employment a few months ago. His wife, Dolly, reported that contact with him was suddenly lost, and later she learned that he was being forced to work for a cyber-fraud gang.
Following her complaint, the ADG (Meerut Zone) and DIG (Meerut Range) instructed the Baghpat Cyber Cell to initiate an immediate investigation. Preliminary inquiries revealed that Rana had been trapped by a network promising “high-salary digital jobs” and sent to Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar to conduct illegal online fraud.
Rescue Coordinated via I4C and Indian Embassy
During the investigation, Baghpat Police maintained continuous communication with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the Indian Embassy in Cambodia.
With assistance from Cambodian law enforcement, the location of the so-called “cyber slavery hub” was identified, where Rana and other youths were held and forced to commit scams. Following rounds of coordination and formal procedures, Cambodian authorities released Rana and he was safely repatriated to India.
Cyber Slavery: Rapidly Growing Threat
Experts say that cyber slavery is a new and dangerous form of human trafficking. Fraud gangs exploit social media, WhatsApp, and fake job portals to lure young people with offers such as:
- ₹80,000 per month salary
- ₹1,00,000–₹1,20,000 digital marketing job
- ₹1,50,000 hotel management position
However, once victims reach these countries:
- Passports are confiscated
- Mobile phones are switched off
- Continuous pressure is applied to force participation in illegal activities
These activities include:
- Bank fraud
- Phishing
- Loan app scams
- Cryptocurrency investment fraud
In several cases, failure to meet targets or follow orders results in physical violence, fines (often ₹50,000–₹2,00,000), and imprisonment.
UP Police on Alert
Baghpat Police stated that this incident serves as a serious warning regarding foreign job rackets in Uttar Pradesh. Measures taken include:
- Identifying agents who lure youths under the pretext of overseas jobs
- Monitoring social media accounts linked to job scams
- Awareness campaigns in urban and rural areas
- Scrutiny of passport agents and travel operators
Families have been advised to immediately report any suspicious job offers to the cyber cell.
Safe Return and Next Steps
Rana is in good health and his detailed statement will be recorded in Baghpat. Authorities expect this will help uncover the network of agents and foreign operators involved in the cyber-fraud ring.
The government, in coordination with international agencies, continues to combat cyber fraud and human trafficking. Rana’s safe return is considered a successful example of these coordinated efforts.
