Hyderabad: Four persons were arrested in a Laos job scam that trafficked youth on the pretext of overseas employment and forced them into cyber fraud operations, District SP Sri Ashok Kumar said.
Addressing a press conference at the District Police Headquarters, the SP said the accused cheated youth by promising call centre jobs in Bangkok. Instead, they illegally transported them to the Golden Triangle region of Laos and forced them to work in cybercrime centres.
The arrested accused were identified as Islavath Vijayender alias Andrew of Obulapur Thanda, Mallapur Mandal; Meesala Rajashekar of Pembatla Village, Sarangapur Mandal; Dandugula Kalyan of Ramesh Oddera Colony, Rangapet Village; and Shyam Rao Rajashekar of Dharmapuri. Another accused, Raju of Visakhapatnam, is currently in Laos.
Police said the prime accused, Vijayender, went to Laos in November 2024 and joined a cyber fraud network. He was offered a commission of 13,000 Yuan, about ₹1.75 lakh, for each recruit sent to Laos. Subsequently, he began targeting youth from Jagtial and nearby areas.
The gang collected amounts between ₹75,000 and ₹1,05,000 from each victim under the guise of overseas jobs. Victims were first sent to Thailand on tourist visas. Later, agents moved them illegally across the border into Laos.
Passports seized in Laos job scam
According to police, the victims were forced to work in cyber call centres allegedly run by Chinese companies. The accused created fake social media profiles using the names of American influencers and targeted Indians living in the USA for online financial fraud.
Victims who refused to cooperate were threatened. The gang confiscated their passports to prevent their return to India.
Based on a complaint by one victim, Jagtial Rural Police registered a case and began an investigation. Police issued a Lookout Circular against Vijayender. On 17-02-2026, officials apprehended him at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and brought him to Jagtial for questioning.
During interrogation, the role of the other accused surfaced. Police arrested them and seized four mobile phones, key documents and foreign travel papers. All accused were remanded to judicial custody.
The SP warned the public against trusting agents who promise overseas jobs and quick visas. He urged job seekers to verify official websites and government approvals before applying. Victims of cyber fraud were advised to call the 1930 helpline or approach the nearest police station.
He assured that strict action would continue against those involved in such rackets. Cyber Crime DSP Venkataramana attended the press meet, Rural Inspector Sudhakar and SIs Umasagar and Dinesh.