The Delhi police have arrested a key accused in a case of trafficking youths abroad and forcing them to work in fake call centres engaged in cyber fraud from Hyderabad, a senior officer said on Sunday.
He has been identified as Kamran Haider alias Zaidi, a resident of Jasola, South Delhi, and was also wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
On May 27, a case was registered under cheating and other sections of the Immigration Act at New Friends Colony police station after one Naresh Lakhavath filed a trafficking complaint.
Mr. Lakhavath alleged that he had reached out to Ali International Service New Delhi consultancy firm while searching for a job. The firm offered him a job in Thailand and Laos, and he was sent to Thailand. “But when he reached Thailand, his passport was snatched by unknown persons and forced to work for a Chinese company involved in scamming Indian citizens through online mode,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (special cell) Manoj C said.
During the investigation, it was found that accused Manjoor Alam alias Guddu, Sahil, Ashish alias Akhil, Pawan Yadav alias and Afzal alias Afroz, were too involved in trafficking vulnerable youth to Laos where they were forced to commit cyber scams targeting European and American citizens as well, the DCP said, adding that firm functioned as a source to lure youths.
Zaidi, the key accused, facilitated the entire operation and was also involved in extorting money through cryptocurrency wallets from victims who tried to escape the clutches of the Chinese scammers, as per the NIA.
He remained absconding, and a reward of ₹2 lakhs was declared on information leading to his arrest.
“Zaidi kept changing his locations and was trying to fly to Malaysia. He was finally traced in Hyderabad, Telangana, and arrested from Nampally Railway Station on December 7,” the DCP said.
Further investigations are underway, the DCP added.
Published – December 09, 2024 01:06 am IST
