Cyber Trafficking Scandal Unfolds in Visakhapatnam
Arrest of Trafficker Linked to International Scam Networks
In a troubling development, the Cyber Crime Police in Visakhapatnam have apprehended G. Manikanta, an agent based in Konaseema, for his alleged involvement in trafficking unemployed Indian youth to overseas cyber scam operations. These individuals were reportedly coerced into participating in online fraud while facing exploitative conditions abroad. This arrest is the result of multiple complaints filed by victims who were rescued and brought back to India with the help of the Indian Embassy.
The Scheme Unveiled
Manikanta has been accused of serving as a recruitment link for organized cybercrime networks operating out of countries including Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos. These networks, often managed by Chinese syndicates, have been under increased scrutiny from international authorities due to their extensive fraudulent activities. After his arrest, Manikanta appeared before a local court and has since been placed into judicial custody.
A Deceptive Recruitment Process
Victims of this trafficking scheme were initially contacted through platforms like Telegram, where they were lured with offers for promising data entry or digital service jobs that purportedly paid well. Once they agreed to these offers and traveled to their supposed workplaces, they found themselves stripped of their passports and phones. Forced into participating in cyber fraud campaigns, these individuals became pawns in schemes designed to defraud unsuspecting victims globally.
Reality of Forced Labor in Cyber Fraud
Authorities indicate that trafficked individuals endured long hours of labor under constant surveillance, fearing repercussions such as physical harm, detention, or financial penalties if they did not meet strict fraud quotas. Some victims were forced to engage in a range of fraudulent activities, including running investment scams and impersonating individuals to perpetrate online financial cons.
One particularly alarming case involved a youth from Visakhapatnam who was trafficked to Myanmar and made to participate in these online scam operations. He was ultimately rescued during a military raid in October 2025 and later repatriated to India, where he lodged a complaint leading to further investigations.
Evolving Tactics in Recruitment
Investigators highlighted how organized cybercrime groups have adapted their recruitment strategies due to heightened law enforcement efforts. Rather than relying on local agents, these syndicates are increasingly enlisting Indians already residing abroad. They incentivize these overseas recruits by offering commissions for each new hire sent to work in scam centers.
A law enforcement officer involved in the case noted, “This issue extends beyond isolated fraudulent activities. We are witnessing a structured form of human trafficking that is intimately linked to cybercrime.” The alarming trend suggests that many victims are left with no option but to comply under the threat of significant consequences.
Importance of Diplomatic Support
The role of the Indian Embassy has emerged as vital in these circumstances, assisting in the rescue and return of trafficked citizens. Many of the complaints gathered post-repatriation have fostered substantial investigations against individuals like Manikanta. Authorities stress the importance of collaborative efforts involving state cybercrime units, central agencies, and foreign governments in tackling these growing issues.
Rising Alarm over “Cyber Slavery”
Law enforcement agencies across India are expressing serious concerns regarding what is being termed “cyber slavery.” This term refers to the alarming reality of trafficked individuals being forced into online fraudulent activities. Southeast Asia has unfortunately become a significant nexus for such operations, with reports indicating that thousands of vulnerable individuals find themselves ensnared in these scam environments.
In light of these developments, police in Visakhapatnam are urging job seekers to exercise extreme vigilance when responding to overseas job offers presented via social media platforms or by unverified recruiters.
Ongoing Investigations
As investigations progress, authorities anticipate further arrests as they delve into financial and communication networks associated with the trafficking operation. They are also looking into potential links between Manikanta and similar recruitment networks extending into other areas of Andhra Pradesh and surrounding states.
To combat the exploitation of young job seekers, officials encourage families and individuals to thoroughly verify job opportunities through legitimate channels and to report any suspicious recruitment practices immediately.
As the intersection of human trafficking and cyber fraud continues to evolve, law enforcement agencies stress that combating these issues will require vigilant international cooperation and more stringent oversight of online recruitment platforms.
