Ajmer Police Cracks Down on International Cybercrime Recruitment Network
In a significant development, Ajmer police on Wednesday apprehended a 31-year-old individual from Chamoli district in Uttarakhand. The arrest centers on grave allegations of deceiving young job seekers with promises of high-paying overseas employment, only to coerce them into participating in organized cybercrime activities abroad.
Modus Operandi of the Accused
According to Ajmer Superintendent of Police Vandita Rana, the accused, identified as Birendra Singh, operated as part of a sophisticated network. This network specifically targeted unemployed youths across India through various social media platforms. Singh allegedly enticed victims with offers of lucrative job opportunities in countries like Thailand, presenting them with a facade of legitimate international employment.
However, the reality was far more sinister. Instead of providing genuine work, the accused orchestrated the trafficking of these individuals to Myanmar. Once there, the victims were reportedly confined under duress and compelled to engage in online fraudulent activities. These activities included creating counterfeit digital identities and making deceptive phone calls as part of large-scale cybercrime operations.
Case Origins and Victim Testimony
The investigation gained momentum following a formal complaint lodged on January 19 by Vaibhav Lashkar, a 21-year-old resident of Nasirabad. Lashkar detailed how Singh extracted Rs 10,000 from him under the pretense of securing a job in Bangkok, even providing an airline ticket to bolster the illusion.
Upon arrival, Lashkar's ordeal began. He was allegedly trafficked to Myanmar, where he was held captive for approximately three months. During this period, he was forced to generate fake online profiles and participate in fraudulent calling schemes, highlighting the severe exploitation involved.
Police Investigation and Technical Tracking
Ajmer police employed advanced technical surveillance methods and meticulously analyzed financial transactions, including bank details, to trace and locate Birendra Singh. This led to his arrest in Uttarakhand, after which he was transported to Ajmer on Thursday for further legal proceedings.
The police have emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities are delving deeper into the network's operations to uncover additional accomplices and understand the full extent of this cross-border cybercrime and human trafficking scheme. This case underscores the critical need for public vigilance against too-good-to-be-true job offers, especially those promoted on social media.
