Haryana Police Book Three for Trafficking Local Youths Into Myanmar’s Cyber-Fraud Networks
The Haryana Police have registered a case against three men accused of pushing local youths into Myanmar’s notorious cyber-fraud hubs, after three victims from the state were rescued and brought back to India. The FIR, lodged in Fatehabad district, names two suspects from Uttarakhand and one from Sirsa for allegedly running a trafficking channel disguised as overseas job placements.
According to police officials, the case came to light after three young men — Rahul and Ankit from Dhaulu village and Amardeep from Katakheri — were safely repatriated by the Indian Embassy in Thailand. Their families had raised alarms after losing contact with them soon after they travelled abroad for what they believed were genuine job opportunities.
Job Promise Turns Into Trafficking Trap
The victims told investigators that they had been offered attractive computer-based jobs in Bangkok by the accused. Rahul, in particular, had known one of the suspects, Deepak from Sirsa, for several years and trusted his assurance of a stable income abroad.
However, the youths said the situation changed drastically after they landed in Thailand. Instead of legitimate employment, they were reportedly moved across the border into Myanmar in a series of vehicles controlled by traffickers. Upon arrival, they were taken to compounds identified as “KK1” and later “KK1B5,” where they were forced to undergo basic “medical checks” before being assigned cyber-fraud tasks.
Forced to Run Online Scams
Inside the facility, the youths were allegedly ordered to operate online scam modules that targeted elderly individuals abroad. They were instructed to pose as Chinese women on dating platforms and manipulate victims in order to extract money.
The victims claimed they were constantly monitored, threatened and given no choice but to comply. A Chinese handler at the compound reportedly demanded ₹5–7 lakh from each of them, either as payment for their release or as a penalty for refusing to participate in the illegal activities.
Escape Amid Military Raid
Ankit told police that once he realised he was trapped in a scam centre, he asked to leave — only to be told he would need to pay ₹5 lakh to walk free. Amardeep said he had been persuaded to travel abroad by one of the Uttarakhand-based accused, only to discover he was being forced into cybercrime.
Their ordeal ended unexpectedly when the Myanmar army carried out a raid in the region, causing the traffickers to flee. The abandoned youths eventually reached the Indian Embassy in Thailand, which facilitated their return home.
Part of a Growing Pattern
Investigators say this case mirrors a disturbing trend. Over the past year, the Indian Embassy has reportedly rescued more than two dozen youths from Haryana who had been lured with promises of high-paying jobs offering up to ₹80,000 per month, along with food and accommodation.
Police and anti-trafficking agencies have reiterated warnings about fraudulent overseas job offers, especially when intermediaries demand large upfront payments or bypass formal recruitment channels.
The Fatehabad police have begun further investigation into the network, including the financial trail and cross-border links of the accused. Efforts are underway to identify additional victims and prevent more youths from falling prey to cyber-fraud syndicates operating out of Southeast Asia.