India has arrested a key figure accused of orchestrating a vast international “cyber slavery” network that trafficked thousands of young people to Southeast Asia for forced online scam operations.
Gujarat Police identified Nilesh “Neel” Purohit as the alleged mastermind. He was apprehended while attempting to flee to Malaysia.
Purohit is accused of supplying workers to Chinese mafia-run scam centers. These operations included Myanmar’s “KK Park” in Myawaddy and sites in Cambodia.
Investigations indicate he arranged for over 1,000 individuals to be sent abroad. He reportedly transported more than 500 people from numerous countries. These included India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Egypt, Cameroon, Benin, and Tunisia.
Victims were trafficked to Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Travel was either direct or routed through Dubai.
The network lured targets with promises of “high-paying jobs” in data entry. Advertisements appeared on platforms like Telegram, Instagram, and Facebook.
Upon arrival, victims’ passports were seized. They were confined and often smuggled across the Moei River into Chinese mafia command centers.
There, they were forced to engage in cybercrimes. These included phishing, cryptocurrency investment scams, pyramid schemes, and dating application fraud. Refusal often led to physical and mental abuse.
Indian government statements indicate Purohit earned a commission of approximately $2,000 to $4,500 per person. He reportedly shared 30% to 40% of this with sub-agents.
The network generated massive financial turnover. This involved multiple “mule” bank accounts and at least five cryptocurrency wallets.
The Gujarat Police’s Cyber Crime Centre of Excellence (CCoE) tracked Purohit through data analysis. Four other accomplices, including sub-agents Hitesh Somaya and Sonal Faldu, were also arrested.
All four face charges of human trafficking and criminal conspiracy. A local court has detained Purohit for 14 days for further questioning.
A government statement described Purohit’s operation as a “highly organized international cyber-slavery network.” He controlled over 126 sub-agents and contacted more than 30 agents from Pakistan.
He also allegedly linked with human resources departments of over 100 Chinese and other foreign companies. This facilitated the supply of individuals to scam camps.
Purohit was known to travel regularly to Dubai, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and Iran. One day before his arrest, he reportedly sent a man from India’s Punjab state to Cambodia.
Over the past three years, India has collaborated with the Thai and Myanmar governments. With military support, they have rescued approximately 4,000 Indian citizens.
Many rescued victims identified Purohit as a crucial agent in the trafficking operation.