Visakhapatnam | A major cyber slavery racket has been busted in the city, exposing how unemployed youth were lured with promises of lucrative overseas jobs and later forced into cybercrime. Police have arrested the alleged mastermind, Bongu Murali, who is accused of running an organized network that trafficked victims abroad and compelled them to carry out online fraud.
Investigations revealed that the accused, a resident of the I Town area’s Prasad Gardens, operated an institute named ‘Kanaka Durga’. Through this setup, he targeted job-seeking youth, offering them data entry and other high-paying opportunities overseas. After gaining their trust, he collected significant amounts of money and arranged their travel to countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
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However, upon reaching these destinations, victims discovered a starkly different reality. Instead of legitimate employment, they were pushed into cyber fraud operations. They were allegedly forced to participate in phishing scams, financial fraud, and other illegal online activities. Victims who resisted were reportedly subjected to physical and mental abuse, indicating the coercive nature of the racket.
The case came to light after one victim, who had been sent to Cambodia, managed to return to India and file a complaint. In his statement, he described being tortured and pressured into committing cybercrimes. Acting on the complaint, authorities registered a case and launched an investigation, eventually leading to Murali’s arrest.
During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to his involvement in the scheme. He admitted to collecting money from victims, booking their flights, and sending them to foreign locations where they were handed over to established cybercrime networks. Officials noted that Murali already has nine cases registered against him, primarily related to fraud and cheating, suggesting that the operation had been active for a considerable period.
Given the seriousness of the case, lookout circulars have been issued to track down other individuals linked to the network. Investigators are now probing the international connections of the racket, including its links to organized cybercrime groups operating across multiple countries.
Experts say the case highlights the growing threat of “cyber slavery,” a phenomenon where individuals are trafficked under the guise of employment and forced into digital crimes. Such networks specifically target vulnerable job seekers, exploiting their desperation for better opportunities and quick earnings.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said, “In such cases, criminals use social engineering techniques to build trust before trapping victims. Overseas job offers must be thoroughly verified, as they can often be linked to cybercrime and human trafficking.”
He further warned that cybercrime has become increasingly transnational, with networks operating across borders, making escape and rescue extremely difficult for victims once they are trapped.
Following the exposure of the racket, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant. Job seekers, particularly youth, have been advised to verify overseas employment offers, rely only on authorized agencies, and avoid deals that appear suspicious or too good to be true.
As the investigation progresses, the case underscores the dangerous nexus between international cybercrime and human trafficking. It also highlights the urgent need for stronger awareness and preventive mechanisms to protect vulnerable individuals from falling prey to such sophisticated fraud networks.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
