In a major crackdown on cybercrime networks, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Kanpur-based man accused of recruiting Indian nationals and sending them to overseas cyber fraud centres where they were allegedly forced to participate in online scams targeting people in India.
The accused, identified as Krishna Kumar Lakhwani, is a resident of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Investigators say he was part of an organised criminal network that lured job seekers with promises of well-paying employment abroad.
According to officials, the syndicate trafficked victims to scam operations located in foreign countries, including Cambodia. These centres allegedly forced recruits to conduct online fraud schemes targeting individuals in India.
CBI officials explained that international cybercrime groups often establish large scam centres in foreign jurisdictions to run large-scale fraud operations while staying beyond the immediate reach of Indian law enforcement.
The agency received specific intelligence indicating that Lakhwani was actively recruiting candidates from India and arranging their travel to cyber scam hubs in Cambodia.
Investigators said the accused charged approximately $300 to $400 from each candidate while facilitating documentation and travel arrangements.
Acting on this information, the CBI placed Lakhwani under surveillance and tracked his movements closely. He was intercepted when he arrived in India and was subsequently taken to the CBI office for questioning.
Officials said further investigation is underway to identify other members of the network and trace the international links of the cybercrime operation.
