Hyderabad: Several Indian youths recently repatriated from Myanmar, where they were trapped in cybercrime centres, are now calling for urgent action against the expansive agent network responsible for their exploitation.
These agents, operating across various parts of India—including Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, North Telangana, and North Andhra—lure unsuspecting individuals with promises of high-paying jobs abroad. Some agents are also based in Delhi, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and other states.
Authorities, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), have started gathering information about these agents, who reportedly facilitated the victims’ journey to Myanmar through Thailand. In a chilling twist, some victims—having endured the torment themselves—became agents, recruiting others in exchange for commissions. Additionally, social media ads promoting overseas job opportunities have lured many victims into this trap.
The CBI and TGCSB have been meticulously documenting statements from the victims, who have been provided with a detailed questionnaire containing 25 questions about their personal details, travel routes, and harrowing experiences in the cybercrime centres. The victims are being asked to recount how they were recruited, the nature of their forced work, and the abuse they endured. To aid the investigation, the agencies have also collected photos and videos as evidence.
Kalyan Putcha, a victim from Palasa, shared his harrowing story: “I was enrolled in a flight attendant course when a friend introduced me to an agent through a mutual contact. The agent promised me a data entry job in Thailand, but instead, I was taken to Myanmar. When I confronted the agent about the situation, he coldly told me, ‘You’ll get used to it’.”
Kalyan recounted the brutal conditions he faced: “They gave me the name ‘Rush’ and forced me to deceive people into investing in fake cryptocurrency and bitcoin schemes. The work hours were gruelling—12 hours a day, with barely any food. If we were even a minute late, we were punished—forced to do 50 push-ups or stand outside as corporal punishment. The agent who brought us there is said to have returned to India now.”
Shankar Srinivas Kamulu, from Armoor, was another victim of the same agents. Lured by the promise of a six-month stay, he travelled on Aug 2, 2022, only to find himself unable to return due to the hefty fines imposed by his captors. “I was rescued by border guards. I found out my agent took a commission of $800. Another victim, Aravind from Sircilla, was duped by the same agent,” Shankar explained.
“I was given the code name ‘SK’ and initially forced to create fake investment pages on Facebook.” Shankar, who holds a bachelor of arts degree, shared his story as a testament to the deceptive and dangerous schemes that continue to affect countless victims in Myanmar.