A growing cybercrime network with international links has come under investigation as Kerala police intensify efforts to crack down on recruitment of local youth by foreign fraud syndicates. Authorities say unemployed but skilled youngsters are being lured with promises of high earnings and drawn into illegal operations run from Cambodia.
In a recent development, the cyber wing of Kochi police arrested a Keralite who had returned from Cambodia and was allegedly attempting to recruit more youths into the network. Officials are now probing whether the accused had earlier facilitated sending individuals from Kerala to these cybercrime hubs. The arrest has exposed a structured effort by overseas gangs to build recruitment channels within the state.
Investigations have also revealed links to a matrimonial fraud case reported last month, where 3 Keralites were arrested for cheating a young doctor through a fake online profile. Police found that the operation was connected to Cambodia-based gangs using tactics such as fake investment schemes, digital arrest scams and other online fraud methods. Officials said recruits are often forced to meet targets and may face threats if they try to leave the network.
Further findings show that local bank accounts are being used to move illegal funds. In one case, a 20-year-old was arrested for renting out his account for a small payment, through which crores of rupees were transferred. Police have booked around 10 individuals in Kochi city and detained another 16 in Ernakulam district for similar involvement. Investigators also traced financial hubs converting fraud money into cryptocurrency and distributing it across multiple accounts, seizing over 20 mobile phones in a recent raid. Authorities warned that such activities could seriously harm the future prospects of those involved. Officials added that these cyber gangs use specialised software developed in China and Taiwan to carry out scams.
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