Kochi: Talented yet unemployed youths from Kerala are increasingly being trapped by Cambodia-based cyber crime syndicates. With the help of Keralites already involved in these networks, the foreign gangs are recruiting young people into fraudulent operations, luring them with promises of high earnings.
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Recently, the cyber wing of Kochi police arrested a Keralite who had returned from Cambodia and allegedly tried to recruit local youngsters into the syndicate. Authorities are investigating whether the arrested individual had previously sent youths from the state to these cybercrime centers. Police sources say the arrest points to a well-organized attempt by overseas gangs to establish recruitment links in Kerala.
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Last month, Kochi police had also arrested three Keralites for allegedly cheating a young doctor in the city through a matrimonial website. Investigations revealed that the fraud was linked to Cambodia-based cyber gangs that target victims using fake profiles, online investment schemes, and other digital scams.
“They target educated but unemployed youngsters, promising them huge money if they work with the syndicate for two to three years. Many get tempted by the prospect of quick earnings and agree to join these cyber fraud operations,” an intelligence officer monitoring the case said.
Educated Youth Targeted With Promise of High Earnings
Officials said recruits are often assigned to cheat victims through scams such as digital arrest frauds, fake investment platforms, and other online financial traps. Those who fail to meet targets or attempt to leave the network are reportedly threatened and intimidated.
Bank Accounts Used to Launder Fraud Money
Police also found that cyber gangs frequently use local youths’ bank accounts to transfer money. In one recent case, a 20-year-old was arrested for renting out his bank account for a small payment. Investigations revealed that crores of rupees had been routed through that account illegally.
“Many youngsters hand over their bank accounts for a few thousand rupees without realizing the seriousness of the offense. Once cybercriminals gain access, they change passwords and operate the accounts themselves. When the transactions are traced, the account holder becomes the accused,” a senior police officer warned.
Authorities noted that such involvement could severely impact the future prospects of these youths, including eligibility for government jobs and other employment opportunities. In recent actions, Kochi city police booked around 10 people for renting their bank accounts to cyber criminals, while rural police in Ernakulam district caught another 16 individuals involved in similar activities.
Cryptocurrency and Digital Transfer Networks Under Scrutiny
Information from the arrested suspect also led investigators to financial hubs that help cyber gangs convert money obtained through fraud into cryptocurrency and distribute it across hundreds of bank accounts. Kochi police recently raided one such hub, seizing more than 20 mobile phones believed to have been used for transferring funds.
Officials added that Cambodia-based cyber gangs employ specialised software developed in China and Taiwan to carry out scams, including digital arrest frauds and fake online investment schemes.
