Belagavi Police Rescue Three Youths Trapped in Cambodia Cybercrime Ring
Police in Belagavi have successfully rescued three young men from the city who were held captive in Cambodia and forced to commit cybercrimes. The authorities have also arrested three individuals accused of operating a fake job racket from Belagavi that ensnared the victims.
Victims Return Home After Harrowing Ordeal
The rescued youths—Akash Kaganikar, Omkar Lokhande, and Sanskar Lokhande—returned to their hometown a couple of days ago. They had been held against their will for nearly a month in Cambodia.
According to police reports, the trio fell prey to a deceptive scheme. A local agent in Belagavi lured them with promises of lucrative data-entry jobs in Hong Kong. The agent offered a monthly salary of one lakh rupees. However, after the youths left India, their destination changed to Cambodia instead.
Forced into Cyberfraud and Faced Violence
Once in Cambodia, the situation turned dire. The youths were allegedly coerced into carrying out cyberfrauds targeting Indian citizens. They used platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram for these illegal activities.
When the victims resisted the demands, they faced physical assault and threats. This harsh treatment left them in a desperate state, prompting their families to take action.
Police Action Leads to Rescue and Arrests
Distressed by their sons' plight, the parents approached the Belagavi CEN police about two weeks ago. They lodged a formal complaint, setting the investigation in motion.
Belagavi City Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase took immediate steps. He contacted the Ministry of External Affairs and alerted the Indian Embassy in Cambodia. This coordination proved crucial in the rescue operation.
Cambodian law-enforcement authorities then raided the fraudulent operation. The raid uncovered a large cybercrime network. Around fifty youths from India and other countries were found being forced into illegal activities there.
Commissioner Borase confirmed the safe return of the three Belagavi youths. He stated they were brought back to India a couple of days ago following the intervention.
Unraveling the Fake Job Racket
Further investigation revealed the fake job racket was run by three individuals based in Belagavi. Police highlighted the sustained efforts of Inspector J M Kalimirchi and his team as key to rescuing the victims.
After the successful rescue, a special police team tracked down the absconding accused. All three individuals were arrested, bringing the perpetrators to justice.
This case underscores the dangers of fake job offers and the importance of vigilance. It also showcases the effective collaboration between local police and international authorities in combating cybercrime and human trafficking.
