Hyderabad: The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has arrested five people for trafficking job-seekers from Telangana to Myanmar. The victims were sent to Myawaddy and forced to work in online scam networks operated by foreign syndicates.
Telangana job-seekers trafficked using fake overseas offers
Cyber Crime Police officials from TGCSB identified and arrested Vasam Govardhan, Banothu Madanlal, Syed Mohammad Madani (alias Max), Suggana Sudheer Kumar, and Gangala Naveen. The suspects were active in Hyderabad, Mysuru, and Visakhapatnam.
They offered fake data entry jobs abroad, collected money, and took control of the victims’ passports. Rather than delivering jobs, they trafficked the youth to Myanmar and pushed them into cybercrime operations. Authorities booked the accused under the BNS, Emigration Act, and IT Act.
Two victims escape; MHA ensures safe return
Two of the victims Sharan and Jeevan Reddy managed to escape after Myanmar authorities detained them. With the help of India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, they returned safely to Hyderabad.
Soon after, TGCSB coordinated the return of 45 more victims. Officers reviewed their digital devices, recorded detailed statements, and launched a Special Investigation Team to crack the larger network.
Traffickers use social media to target unemployed youth
The network relied heavily on Instagram, Telegram, and other social media platforms to attract unsuspecting candidates. They promised high-paying roles, but once the youth arrived in Myanmar, they were trapped in cyber scams.
These included OTP harvesting, digital arrests, fake investment platforms, and romance frauds.
TGCSB issues alerts and opens Look Out Circulars
TGCSB has issued Look Out Circulars for other suspects operating from abroad. The agency urged citizens to stay vigilant, avoid paying for job offers, and always verify recruiters. Victims and whistleblowers can report such frauds via 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.