Mumbai Police Arrest Two Agents Behind Cyber Fraud Racket Targeting Indians Abroad

Mumbai, May 21:
Mumbai police have arrested two men connected to a scam that lured over 25 Indians with promises of high-paying jobs in Thailand. Instead, the victims were taken to Laos and forced into cyber fraud, officials said on Tuesday.

The arrested men are Jerry Jacob (46), who police identify as the leader of the operation, and his associate Godfrey Alvares (39). Their arrest came after a complaint from Siddharth Yadav (23), a Thane resident and one of the victims. The case, filed on March 23, also mentions another agent named Sunny as part of the group.

According to police, Mr. Yadav and three other victims returned safely from Laos with help from the Indian embassy in the Southeast Asian country.

Mr. Yadav told authorities he flew to Thailand in December 2022, expecting to find a good job. However, upon arrival, he was taken to a location in Laos near the Thailand border and forced to take part in cyber fraud operations.

Police are continuing their investigation to find and arrest other members of the group. They are also urging Indian citizens to be cautious when accepting job offers abroad, especially those that promise unusually high salaries.