Key accused in Myanmar scam says he is a victim too | Hyderabad News
Hyderabad: Hitesh Somaiah, who has been accused of playing a key role in the Myanmar cyber fraud operation, said he himself was a victim and that he was coerced by the Chinese into staying in Myawaddy.
Speaking to TOI from Myawaddy, Hitesh denied any wrongdoing. “It is the Chinese who control the entire cryptocurrency fraud, ensuring that investors cannot withdraw their money.”
“All these people are involved in a crypto scam where investors on Facebook are lured. The Chinese won’t allow these investors to withdraw their money,” he said, admitting that the system was rigged from the start. Fake trading websites are used to manipulate cryptocurrency prices, tricking victims into believing they were making profitable investments. Once the money is deposited, there is no getting it back.
Hitesh further alleged that the Chinese paid Indian agents ₹50,000 for each new recruit. “Those who come here as job-seekers turn into agents over time, taking money from the Chinese and bringing over their friends,” he said.
‘BMW used only for hospital visits’
Responding to allegations that he owned a BMW in Myanmar as seen in pictures, Hitesh said the car was not his. “The BMW is owned by the Chinese. It is used to drive workers to hospitals and supermarkets. As I know how to drive, I was given the car,” he said.
On his role in booking tickets for Indians travelling to Myanmar, Hitesh claimed he only helped facilitate travel and did not collect money from anyone. “I booked tickets on MakeMyTrip, but the money was given by the job aspirants themselves. One of the victims, MV Patel, claims he paid me a commission. I challenge him to show proof,” he said. Interestingly, Hitesh went to Laos in 2024 and worked at a cyber scam centre for three months, returned home, and then went to Myanmar.
Victims reject claims of innocence
While Hitesh maintains he was trapped, victims question why he remained in Myanmar despite knowing about the scam. They claim that when the Myanmar Border Guard Forces arrived to rescue trapped workers, Hitesh refused to leave.
“I am also a victim. In October 2024, I was told about a data entry job in Thailand by a Laos-based agent named Sanjay. I came to Myanmar and I am still stuck here. The so-called victims are falsely taking my name. I wanted to come back to India, but they didn’t allow me. My passport is with the Chinese. If Indian police check my bank transactions, they will see I have nothing suspicious. If there is anything, they can arrest me,” Hitesh said.
When asked about videos showing him dancing with Chinese girls, he countered saying other Indians also can be seen dancing with the girls. However, the victims said only Hitesh can be seen dancing with Chinese women in the videos, and other Indians can be seen dancing separately in a group, raising doubts over Hitesh’s defence.
Karimnagar police have registered a case against Hitesh and are preparing to issue a Look-Out Notice against him.
Speaking to TOI from Myawaddy, Hitesh denied any wrongdoing. “It is the Chinese who control the entire cryptocurrency fraud, ensuring that investors cannot withdraw their money.”
“All these people are involved in a crypto scam where investors on Facebook are lured. The Chinese won’t allow these investors to withdraw their money,” he said, admitting that the system was rigged from the start. Fake trading websites are used to manipulate cryptocurrency prices, tricking victims into believing they were making profitable investments. Once the money is deposited, there is no getting it back.
Hitesh further alleged that the Chinese paid Indian agents ₹50,000 for each new recruit. “Those who come here as job-seekers turn into agents over time, taking money from the Chinese and bringing over their friends,” he said.
‘BMW used only for hospital visits’
Responding to allegations that he owned a BMW in Myanmar as seen in pictures, Hitesh said the car was not his. “The BMW is owned by the Chinese. It is used to drive workers to hospitals and supermarkets. As I know how to drive, I was given the car,” he said.
On his role in booking tickets for Indians travelling to Myanmar, Hitesh claimed he only helped facilitate travel and did not collect money from anyone. “I booked tickets on MakeMyTrip, but the money was given by the job aspirants themselves. One of the victims, MV Patel, claims he paid me a commission. I challenge him to show proof,” he said. Interestingly, Hitesh went to Laos in 2024 and worked at a cyber scam centre for three months, returned home, and then went to Myanmar.
Victims reject claims of innocence
While Hitesh maintains he was trapped, victims question why he remained in Myanmar despite knowing about the scam. They claim that when the Myanmar Border Guard Forces arrived to rescue trapped workers, Hitesh refused to leave.
“I am also a victim. In October 2024, I was told about a data entry job in Thailand by a Laos-based agent named Sanjay. I came to Myanmar and I am still stuck here. The so-called victims are falsely taking my name. I wanted to come back to India, but they didn’t allow me. My passport is with the Chinese. If Indian police check my bank transactions, they will see I have nothing suspicious. If there is anything, they can arrest me,” Hitesh said.
When asked about videos showing him dancing with Chinese girls, he countered saying other Indians also can be seen dancing with the girls. However, the victims said only Hitesh can be seen dancing with Chinese women in the videos, and other Indians can be seen dancing separately in a group, raising doubts over Hitesh’s defence.
Karimnagar police have registered a case against Hitesh and are preparing to issue a Look-Out Notice against him.
