Another agent arrested in human trafficking case

VISAKHAPATNAM: Visakhapatnam police made another arrest on Sunday as part of the ongoing investigation into a human trafficking and cybercrime racket operating in collaboration with agents in Cambodia. The recent arrest brings the total number of people arrested in this case to 11.

The apprehended individual was identified as Bongu Murali, a resident of Prasad Gardens area of ​​One Town in Visakhapatnam. According to Visakhapatnam cybercrime inspector Bhavani Prasad, Murali, who allegedly ran an institute named 'Bhavana Fabricators and Engineering Works', was accused of facilitating the trafficking of unemployed youths to Cambodia under false pretenses of employment, particularly in the field of computer data entry. .

Reports indicate that Murali allegedly took money from unsuspecting individuals, promising them lucrative job opportunities in Cambodia. However, upon arrival, victims were forced to participate in cyber scams against their home countries.

One such victim from Srikakulam was allegedly mistreated and forced to indulge in cyber scams after being promised a computer data entry job in Cambodia for a payment of `1.6 lakh. The victim's plight was revealed when his older brother reported the situation to cybercrime police, leading to an investigation and the arrest of Bongu Murali.

Police investigations revealed that Murali orchestrated the trafficking under the pretext of offering legitimate employment opportunities. He allegedly arranged the logistics of the trip through Akbar Travels in Mumbai and facilitated currency exchange for the victims. In some cases, Cambodian agents provided plane tickets and electronic visas, allowing Murali to send individuals to Cambodia for illicit activities.

Following his arrest, Bongu Murali was taken into custody as investigations continue into the wider human trafficking and cybercrime network. During the investigation, it was discovered that Murali was under scanner in several cases, including four cheating charges.

The discovery of this racket stemmed from the efforts of Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner A Ravi Shankar, Joint CP K Fakirappa and Visakhapatnam City Cyber ​​Crime Inspector K Bhavani Prasad. Their collaborative efforts, including “Operation Cambodia”, resulted in the rescue of many Indian nationals trapped in this project.

The rescued people are from various cities and states of India, including Hyderabad, Puducherry, Kolkata, Chennai, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Ernakulam, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Anantapur, Palasa, Tuni, Anakapalli, Telangana and Kolkata.

Victims of such scams are advised to contact Cyber ​​Crime Inspector K Bhavani Prasad at 9490617917 or Control Room at 0891-2565454.

Special teams formed

In response to the ongoing investigation, police have formed special teams to identify and apprehend the main perpetrators of this nefarious network.