Agra police have cracked a shocking cyber slavery racket, arresting two accused involved in sending Indian youths abroad under the pretext of foreign job opportunities.
The victims, mostly unemployed young adults, were charged Rs3–4 lakh each and sent to countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Once there, they were reportedly “sold” for $3,000–$4,000 per person to groups engaged in cyber fraud, including digital arrest scams. If the victims resisted or sought to return home, they were forced to pay an additional Rs3 lakh for repatriation.
The investigation was triggered after complaints were lodged with the Cyber Cell by victims, leading ACP Aditya of Agra Police to reveal details during a press briefing.
The arrested individuals, Mohd Atif Khan and Ajay Shukla, have been booked under Sections 143(3) (trafficking of persons), 318(4) (cheating), and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bhartiya Nyayay Sanhita (BNS). Authorities disclosed that Ajay Shukla had sent two youths from Agra to Cambodia in November 2024, while Mohd Atif operated in Cambodia from 2022 to May 2025, reportedly selling over 50 youths to cyber fraud syndicates.
ACP Aditya estimated the racket could involve transactions worth approximately Rs500 crore, and investigations indicate multiple agents are operating across India. Mohd Atif was arrested in Unnao and Ajay Shukla in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Another accused in Maharashtra is expected to be brought to Agra on transit remand.
Officials urged job-seekers to exercise extreme caution when offered lucrative overseas employment and to report suspicious agents to authorities immediately.
