In a significant breakthrough, the Visakhapatnam police have made another arrest in an ongoing investigation into a human trafficking and cybercrime syndicate. The latest arrest brings the total number of suspects apprehended to 11. The arrested individual has been identified as Bongu Murali, a 40-year-old resident of Prasad Gardens, One Town, Visakhapatnam.
Murali is accused of facilitating the illegal trafficking of unemployed individuals, promising them lucrative data entry jobs in Cambodia. According to Visakhapatnam Cyber Crime Inspector, Bhavani Prasad, Murali operated an institute called Bhavana Fabricators and Engineering Works, which served as a front for the trafficking operations.
The victims were promised well-paying jobs in Cambodia, but upon arrival, they were coerced into participating in illegal cyber scams targeting their home country. One of the victims from Srikakulam, who paid Rs. 1.6 lakh for a job, was forced into cybercrime upon reaching Cambodia. The victim’s situation was exposed when his brother reported it to the cybercrime police, leading to Murali’s eventual arrest.
Investigations revealed that Murali facilitated the victims’ travel to Cambodia through Akbar Travels in Mumbai, handled their currency exchanges, and arranged fraudulent e-visas and flight tickets provided by Cambodian agents. These young people, lured by promises of a legitimate job, were instead forced into criminal activities once they arrived.
Murali, now in custody, is facing charges related to human trafficking, cybercrime, and fraud. He is under investigation for multiple cases, including four cheating charges.
The police crackdown, known as Operation Cambodia, has led to the rescue of several Indian nationals trapped in this exploitative racket. The victims rescued so far hail from various regions, including Hyderabad, Pondicherry, Kolkata, Chennai, and multiple cities across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The investigation is ongoing, and the authorities are working to dismantle the entire trafficking and cybercrime network. The police efforts have been led by Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner A Ravi Shankar, Joint CP K Fakirappa, and Cyber Crime Inspector K Bhavani Prasad.
