Unemployment crisis fuels human trafficking network in Cambodia
Visakhapatnam: The combination of job scarcity and the promise of better employment prospects has led numerous individuals to the hands of a human trafficking syndicate based in Cambodia.
This network employs an AI deepfake technology to ensnare the victims, the victims stated at a media meet here organised by the city police commissioner on Thursday.
A female from Tenali, Guntur district, revealed that her agent, Gadhala Sudhakar, had trapped her and sold her to a Cambodia company for 4000 dollars. She was married and facing financial issues. A neighbour suggested that a company in Cambodia was hiring women tele-callers, and she agreed to go there after taking a `2.7 lakh loan.
She traveled through Kuala Lumpur and Hochana City to reach Cambodia, where she was coerced into creating social media accounts to trap influential individuals, after using AI technology to alter her appearance. When she refused, they locked her in a room for two days without food and also tortured her.
She said many girls were interested in these jobs and that they have trapped many big shots, including some MLAs and MPs.
“The people there take drugs, and if someone performs better, there are increments. A pub party culture existed there.” Her bosses were Cucumber and Lounger, and her in-charges were Roni and Rash, who belonged to Kerala, she stated.
The two male victims, also present at the press conference, revealed they were lured by a promise of employment. They were shocked to discover the true nature of the job upon arrival.
Both disclosed that the money they earned was converted into bitcoins, a method used by the traffickers to launder their illicit gains. The traffickers particularly target those displaying a lavish lifestyle on social media and retired Indian government employees, it was stated.
Commissioner Ayyanar announced the issuing of a Look Out Circular (LOC) for six agents who are still in Cambodia. Till now the city police has arrested 11 agents. He highlighted the establishment of a cybercrime lab to track money trails, uncovering fake SIMs and mule bank accounts.
Additionally, 25 youths were rescued, including Hemant Kumar and Rupesh Kumar, with records showing 158 youths sent to Cambodia by 14 agents, 24 of whom returned. On June 5, Chokka Uma Mahesh and five others from Kerala were repatriated.
He revealed that four cases have been registered, leading to the remand of the arrested agents under Human Trafficking and IT Acts.
