17 Telanganites Rescued From Cyber Slavery

Following a major operation in which over 500 Indians were rescued from scam centres in Myanmar — including 24 from Telangana — another nine victims from the state were repatriated in the past few weeks, taking the total number of rescues from Telangana to 33. In parallel, eight individuals from Telangana were rescued from similar centres in Laos.

Based on these operations and complaints from returnees, the TGCSB has registered 23 FIRs so far. Based on FIRs, 13 accused have been arrested, while efforts to trace and apprehend others are ongoing. Most victims hailed from Hyderabad, Nizamabad and Karimnagar — districts that reported the highest number of trafficked individuals. Cases have been booked against those who lured jobseekers with fraudulent employment offers.

An official from TGCSB said nearly 80% of the victims were trafficked to Cambodia, while the remaining 20% were taken to Myanmar and Laos. Local agents typically contacted youth through social media or via acquaintances, promising lucrative jobs abroad. The process involved a virtual interview, during which the scamsters would conceal their identities while insisting the victim remain visible on camera.

“Once selected, the victims were issued flight tickets to Bangkok, which does not require a visa for Indian nationals. From there, Chinese handlers transported them across borders to scam centres in Cambodia, Myanmar or Laos”, the official said. Upon arrival, scamsters would reset the victim’s phone’s data and confiscate their passports. A 15-day training followed, during which they were coached in executing various forms of cyber fraud. Those who resisted were subjected to physical abuse.

The victims were falsely assured they would not face legal consequences. “They were told Indian police could not touch them in those countries,” the official said, adding that most of the cyber fraud targets were Indian citizens.