Telangana Cybercrime Crackdown: Eight held for trafficking victims to Myanmar scam hub

In a significant crackdown on international cybercrime, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has arrested eight individuals involved in trafficking job seekers from the state to Myanmar, where they were forced into cyber scam operations. 

This action follows the recent rescue and repatriation of 540 Indian nationals from Myanmar’s notorious scam compounds, including 24 from Telangana.

TGCSB director Shikha Goel stated that the arrests stemmed from an extensive investigation launched after victims returned to India. The investigation led to the registration of nine cases based on complaints from 10 victims at various Cyber Crime Police Stations across Telangana. Authorities have identified 15 key individuals involved in the trafficking network, with efforts underway to locate and apprehend the remaining suspects, including five who are currently abroad.

Among those arrested are Allepu Venkatesh and Challa Mahesh from Jagtial, and Mohammed Jalal, Bomma Vasanth Kumar, Dasari Eknath Goud, H. Basheer Ahmed, Gajula Abhishek, all from Hyderabad, along with Katanguri Sai Kiran from Vemulawada. 

The rescue operation was facilitated by the Indian government, bringing back 540 individuals in two separate batches on March 10 and 11. The 24 rescued individuals from Telangana arrived in Hyderabad on March 11 and 12.

Officials warn that fraudulent job offers with vague descriptions and unrealistic salaries are red flags that should not be ignored. The crackdown and continued investigation highlight the growing threat of international cybercrime and human trafficking networks that exploit job seekers for illegal operations.