What appeared to be a promising overseas job offer turned into a nightmare for several young job seekers, as police uncovered an organised scam that trafficked victims across borders and forced them into cybercrime.
Faridabad Police in Haryana have arrested a key accused linked to a gang that lured people with high-paying jobs in Thailand and later took them to Myanmar to carry out cyber fraud. The arrest followed a detailed complaint filed by a resident of Sector-78, Faridabad.
According to police, the victim said he received a WhatsApp message in July 2025. The sender collected his basic details and offered him a well-paid job in Thailand. He was asked to travel on an on-arrival visa and later convert it into a work visa. In August 2025, the fraudsters sent him a flight ticket to Bangkok and instructed him to travel.
After landing in Bangkok, the situation changed quickly. The victim was picked up in a vehicle, and his phone was taken away. He was shifted between multiple vehicles and eventually taken to Myanmar via a river route. There, he was held against his will for around 15 days.
Police said the victim was threatened with death and forced to commit cybercrime. He was trained to cheat people through online investment scams and dating applications. Similar methods were used on other victims who were trafficked by the group.
The ordeal ended when the Myanmar Army conducted a raid, rescued the victims, and facilitated their return to India.
Based on the complaint, a case was registered under relevant sections at the Cyber Police Station Central. Using technical surveillance, Faridabad Police identified one of the accused and issued a Look Out Circular. On January 29, the accused, Akash Mahadev Bhanwase, was arrested from Mumbai Airport.
During questioning, police found that Bhanwase collected data of unemployed youth, contacted them directly, and promised high-salary jobs in Thailand. Victims were then provided visas and flight tickets. Once they reached Thailand, they were taken hostage, moved to Myanmar, and forced into fraudulent online activities.
After interrogation, the accused was produced before a court and sent to jail. Further investigation is ongoing.
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