Two Arrested In Visakhapatnam Human Trafficking Case Linked To International Cybercrime

The City Police arrested two individuals, including a woman, on Wednesday (July 16, 2025), for their alleged involvement in a human trafficking racket which was connected to international cybercrime operations. The accused have been identified as L. Suresh and Adilakshmi, both residents of Gajuwaka, Andhra Pradesh. 

With the arrest of the accused duo, the police prevented five youth from being trafficked out of the country.   

While addressing the media, Police Commissioner Shankarbrata Bagchi said that the accused ran a recruitment agency that targeted unemployed youths and promised them computer-based jobs abroad. These victims were then sent to countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Bangkok, where they were trapped by cybercrime offenders and forced into illegal activities.

He further added that the kingpin of the racket had been identified as Vijay Kumar, who was suspected of having recruited at least 150 individuals for such overseas scams. 

Bagchi explained the modus operandi of the racket and stated that the cybercrime offenders were also involved in creating fake social media profiles that targeted elderly and influential people – they lured victims into schemes which involved cryptocurrency investments, instant loan offers, honey traps, digital arrests and various other financial scams.

Following the incident, Bagchi urged the youth to thoroughly verify the licences of recruitment agencies before engaging with them.

He also warned that involvement in such scams could lead to serious legal consequences, including the issuance of lookout notices. Additionally, he appealed to parents to ensure that their children working with such companies return to India at the earliest.

Bagchi revealed that nearly 150 individuals from the city were currently employed with cybercrime syndicates abroad, and the police have rescued 87 of them so far.

To raise awareness about Cambodia-based job frauds and the risks posed by fake recruitment agencies, the police have released a poster campaign. These posters will be displayed at all police stations across the city.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Bagchi launched a programme titled 'Nava Samaja Nirmanam' at Dr. L. Bullayya College. The initiative aims to spread awareness on drug abuse, road safety, and cybercrimes.

Addressing a large gathering of students, Mr. Bagchi sensitised them to these pressing issues and administered a pledge urging them to steer clear of drugs and cybercrimes.