The Cyber Centre of Excellence, Gujarat Police has arrested two men accused of recruiting individuals and sending them abroad to participate in cyber fraud operations linked to international cyber slavery networks.
The accused were identified as:
Kaushik Pethani – resident of Amreli, acted as the main agent
Dhruv Dobariya – resident of Surat, assisted as sub-agent
Investigators said the duo targeted unemployed youths in Gujarat and other parts of India, promising well-paid overseas jobs and arranging their travel to countries hosting cyber fraud centres, including Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.
Pethani, known as “Ali Baba”, reportedly handled end-to-end arrangements for sending recruits abroad. The accused promoted these opportunities through social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. Prospective candidates were given interviews, communication training, and soft skills coaching before being sent overseas.
Upon arrival, victims were allegedly forced to engage in cyber fraud activities, including cryptocurrency scams, online investment fraud, and other digital cheating operations. Their passports and mobile phones were confiscated, and those refusing to participate were subjected to physical and mental harassment.
The network reportedly charged recruits between Rs70,000 and Rs1.5 lakh, targeting individuals from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Investigators confirmed that Dobariya had already sent at least five people abroad, though the total number is still being determined.
Officials revealed that previous recruits had travelled to the UAE, Laos, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, and intelligence suggested plans to establish cyber fraud centres in South Africa and Georgia.
Vivek Bheda emphasized that the Cyber Centre is committed to curbing cyber crimes, including cyber slavery. Authorities continue to investigate, identifying additional members of the network and tracking victims sent abroad. Further arrests are expected.
The public has been urged to exercise caution against unknown agencies or social media job advertisements offering overseas employment.
