1 week Ago
In a landmark rescue operation, Maharashtra Cyber Cell has successfully brought home over 60 Indian nationals who were trapped in a disturbing cyber slavery racket operating out of Myanmar. These individuals were lured with false promises of high-paying jobs abroad, only to find themselves forced into cybercrime networks run by armed rebel groups. Acting swiftly, the Maharashtra Cyber cell ensured their safe return and launched a deep investigation into this organised crime ring.
The victims were initially approached through popular social media platforms by agents posing as legitimate job recruiters. After securing their trust, these agents arranged for their travel to Thailand under tourist visas. Upon landing, the victims were taken on a gruelling road journey toward the Thai-Myanmar border.
They were then smuggled across a river into Myanmar and held captive in fortified compounds controlled by cybercrime syndicates. Trapped and threatened, they were forced to participate in online scams ranging from digital arrest frauds to fake investment schemes. Read more: India’s BFSI sector faces major cyber threats in 2025: AI, deepfakes, quantum risks and more The cybercrime operation was found to be well-organised and tiered.
Entry-level recruits created fake female identities to bait targets. Mid-level actors posed as officials to manipulate victims further, while senior operatives handled financial transactions. Victims were coerced into signing one-year contracts and were denied any communication with the outside world.
The agents who trafficked them reportedly earned up to $1,000 per person. Following the rescue, Maharashtra Cyber registered three FIRs under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the IT Act. Five accused have been arrested, including a small-time actor, Manish Grey (also known as Maddy), who played a major role in the trafficking.
Others include Indian nationals and a foreign national identified as Talaniti Nulaxi, who was allegedly planning to set up a cybercrime unit in India. Read more: India’s cyber cops sound the alarm over Ghibli-related scams Investigations revealed these accused were operating out of Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and India, actively recruiting vulnerable individuals through deceptive means. Maharashtra Cyber continues to probe the case and is recording statements from all rescued individuals to expose every link in this international network.
Citizens are strongly advised to be cautious of job offers that promise high salaries abroad, especially those circulated through unverified sources. Maharashtra Cyber has urged people to report any suspicious activity to authorities to prevent falling victim to such sophisticated cybercrime traps..
