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VISAKHAPATNAM: The City Police on Wednesday arrested two individuals, L. Suresh and A. Dilakshmi, both residents of Gajuwaka, for allegedly running a recruitment agency that trafficked local youth under the guise of providing high-paying computer-based jobs abroad.
Police Commissioner Shankarprasad Bagchi, addressing a press conference, revealed that the accused were part of an organised racket linked to international cybercrime operations. Their agency allegedly facilitated the trafficking of youth to countries including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Bangkok, where they were coerced into illegal cyber activities.
Targeted Youth, Trapped Abroad
According to police, the racket promised jobs but delivered young victims into the hands of international cybercrime syndicates. These networks, operating largely out of Southeast Asia, forced victims into fraudulent operations, including cryptocurrency scams, fake instant loans, digital arrest threats, honey traps, and other financial frauds.
The alleged kingpin, Vijay Kumar, is suspected of recruiting over 150 youth from Visakhapatnam for such cybercrime-linked roles. The police have managed to rescue 87 individuals so far, and efforts are underway to locate and repatriate the remaining victims.
Five individuals were prevented from being trafficked abroad due to timely police intervention during the arrests.
Warning Issued to Youth and Families
Commissioner Bagchi advised job-seeking youth to rigorously verify the authenticity of recruitment agencies. He warned that association with such illegal entities could result in legal consequences, including the issuance of lookout circulars.
In an effort to curb such crimes and raise awareness, city police have launched a poster campaign across all police stations. The posters highlight the modus operandi of fake agencies and caution job-seekers about Cambodia-based fraud networks.
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Awareness Drive: ‘Nava Samaja Nirmanam’
Earlier in the day, Commissioner Bagchi launched an awareness initiative titled ‘Nava Samaja Nirmanam’ at Dr. L. Bullayya College. Aimed at educating youth on drug abuse, road safety, and cybercrime, the programme featured interactive sessions and a pledge by students to steer clear of such illicit activities.
The police continue to investigate the larger syndicate, with international linkages under scrutiny.
