Gujarat: International cyberslavery racket busted, Surat duo among accused

Ahmedabad: An international cybercrime network that allegedly lured Indian youths with promises of high-paying data entry jobs abroad and later forced them into cyberfraud was exposed by the cybercrime cell of the CID in Gandhinagar.According to officials, the accused targeted youngsters through social media and agents, offering jobs in countries such as Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia with a monthly salary of Rs 75,000. Once the victims agreed and travelled overseas, their passports and mobiles were confiscated. They were then illegally transported across borders and confined in guarded premises, where they were forced to commit online fraud.
Investigators said the victims were made to create fake social media profiles in the names of women. Using these accounts, they befriended Indian and American citizens and trapped them in investment and dating scams. Those who refused to cooperate were allegedly subjected to physical assault and mental harassment.The probe revealed the involvement of two main accused from Surat — Abhinav Pethani from Mota Varachha and Dhruv Dholariya from Kamrej — who allegedly played a key role in coordinating recruitment and logistics. Police said around 20 people worked under Dholariya in the operation. Two other accused, Chetan Soni and Manish Bhanushali, were also named.A case was registered at the Gandhinagar CID Crime police station against four persons, and further investigation is underway to trace the wider network and financial transactions linked to the racket. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !