Trafficking ring supplying Indians to Chinese-run cyber scam hubs in Myanmar, Cambodia busted, mastermind held

The Cyber Centre of Excellence (CCoE), Gujarat, has arrested Nilesh alias Neel Narpatsinh Purohit, identified as one of India’s main agents responsible for trafficking hundreds of Indians and foreign nationals into cyber-slavery compounds run by Chinese cyber mafia networks in Myanmar, Cambodia and other South-East Asian countries.

International cyber-slavery racket exposed

Investigators found that Purohit headed a highly organised national and international network with more than 126 sub-agents working under him. He allegedly trafficked over 500 people from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, the Philippines, Nigeria, Egypt, Cameroon, Benin and Tunisia directly or via Dubai to scam centres operating in Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand.

The network lured victims with offers of high-paying data-entry or IT jobs abroad, arranged their flights, transit hotels, and illegal border crossings, and then handed them over to criminal syndicates who forced them into cybercrime operations.

According to CID officials, Purohit maintained continuous contact with over 30 Pakistani agents and had direct links with the HR teams of more than 100 Chinese and foreign firms supplying manpower to cyber-fraud hubs.

Victims rescued in international operations

Over the last three years, coordinated efforts by the Government of India, Thailand and Myanmar have led to the rescue and repatriation of around 4,000 Indians trapped in cyber-slavery camps. Joint statements recorded by the CBI, Intelligence Bureau and State Police revealed repeated references to ‘Neel Purohit’ as the agent who arranged their travel.

Technical analysis by VPE Hardik Patel enabled investigators to trace Purohit despite his use of multiple virtual phone numbers and deliberate attempts to conceal his identity.

Brutal conditions inside scam centres

Officials said the victims were stripped of their passports and phones.

Held hostage for months

Illegally trafficked across the Moei River into Myanmar’s KK Park, Myawaddy Township

Forced to commit cybercrimes, including phishing, crypto scams, Ponzi schemes and romance fraud

Those who refused were beaten, tortured and kept in illegal detention for extended periods.

Financial trail in crores, crypto wallets used

The racket involved financial transactions worth crores routed through mule accounts and at least five crypto wallets, making the money trail difficult to track. Purohit earned a commission of $2,000 to $4,500 per person, giving 30–40% to his sub-agents.

Investigators also found evidence of a parallel network operating in Laos and Cambodia, where victims were sold into “double cyber-slavery” for further exploitation.

Attempt to flee foiled

CCoE officers apprehended Purohit just as he was preparing to abscond to Malaysia. He was brought to Gandhinagar, formally arrested, and produced before the court. A 14-day police remand has been granted for further interrogation.

Two of his key associates, Hitesh Somaiya and Sonal Faldu, have also been arrested.

Seizures

Mobile phones: 02

Laptop: 01

Passport: 01

Over 3,000 photographs of travel tickets, boarding images and arrival confirmations were found on his device.

Advisory to citizens

Police have urged the public to:

• Verify foreign job offers and company registrations before accepting overseas employment.
• Avoid falling for “high-salary” job scams promoted on social media.
• Immediately contact the Indian Embassy or local authorities if detained abroad.
• Report cybercrime incidents to the Cyber Helpline 1930 or the nearest police station.

The CID stated that the crackdown marks a major step in dismantling international cyber-trafficking

networks exploiting Indian citizens on a massive scale.