A 24-year-old graphic designer from Maharashtra’s Beed district has allegedly been trapped by an international cyber fraud syndicate in Myanmar after being lured with a job offer in Thailand. Police said he has been held captive for nearly a month and forced to work 16 to 18 hours a day in online fraud operations. The Beed Cyber Police have registered a case against unidentified agents and other suspects based on a complaint filed by his wife.
Fake Job Offer Led to Bangkok
According to the FIR, the victim came across a social media advertisement offering a graphic designing and data entry job in Bangkok with a promised monthly salary of about ₹70,000. Believing the offer to be genuine, he contacted the WhatsApp number mentioned in the advertisement.
After being assured of employment, he boarded a flight from Pune to Bangkok on June 4. Police said that after reaching Bangkok, he was allegedly taken to Myanmar, where he was confined in a compound along with several others.
Victim Sought Help Through WhatsApp Call
The incident came to light when the victim managed to make a WhatsApp call to his wife. During the call, he described harsh conditions in captivity and said his life was in danger.
He also claimed that 20 to 25 people from Maharashtra and hundreds of Indians from different parts of the country were being held at the same facility and forced to participate in cyber fraud activities. He further alleged that those who resisted faced severe violence, though police said these claims are yet to be independently verified.
Police Probe Trafficking and Cyber Fraud Links
After receiving the distress call, the victim’s wife approached the Beed Cyber Police Station and lodged a complaint. Police registered an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
Investigators are examining the role of agents who allegedly recruited the victim on the pretext of overseas employment. Preliminary findings suggest the case may be linked to an international human trafficking network that uses fake job advertisements to lure Indian citizens to Thailand before transporting them to cyber fraud compounds in Myanmar.
Police are continuing the investigation, while efforts are underway through appropriate legal and coordination channels to secure the victim’s safe return.
