The Gujarat Cyber Centre of Excellence (CCoE) has busted an international human trafficking and cyber-slavery ring, apprehending its alleged leader, Nilesh Purohit, also known as Neel or “The Ghost.”
Alongside him, five associates—including a married couple—have been taken into custody. The syndicate, which operated out of Southeast Asian nations, specifically targeted Indian citizens, including numerous individuals from Gujarat, by luring them with fake employment opportunities.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi, who oversees the Home Department, told reporters that investigations revealed Purohit managed a global network comprising over 126 sub-agents. “He maintained connections with agents in Pakistan and collaborated with around 100 companies across various countries that supplied manpower to cyber-fraud centers in Southeast Asia,” Sanghvi said.
Purohit was apprehended in Gandhinagar while attempting to flee the country. His associates arrested include Hitesh Somaiya, Sonal Phaldu, Bhavdeep Jadeja, and Hardeep Jadeja, along with Sonal’s husband, Sanjay.
The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that Purohit was linked to the trafficking of more than 500 individuals from countries such as India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Egypt, Cameroon, Benin, and Tunisia to nations including Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Victims were deceived through social media ads promising high-paying overseas data-entry jobs.
“After confiscating their passports, the accused transported the victims across borders into Myanmar via routes near KK Park and Myawaddy Township. Once there, they were compelled to engage in illegal online operations, including phishing, cryptocurrency scams, Ponzi schemes, and fraudulent dating apps,” he further said.
Records suggest Purohit earned between $2,000 and $4,500 per victim, distributing 30% to 40% of the amount to his sub-agents. “The financial flow was managed through multiple bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets,” the Deputy Chief Minister noted.
He also said that the Government of India, in coordination with authorities in Thailand and Myanmar, executed joint operations that rescued nearly 4,000 individuals. “Many of the rescued persons identified Purohit as the coordinator who had sent them abroad. A case was registered, and an in-depth investigation was launched,” he said.
Officials explained that the CCoE had been continuously analyzing data, including interviews of returnees shared by central agencies such as the I4C, and tracking suspicious activities of agents linked to these scam centers. “Specialized teams were formed for technical assessments, digital forensics, interrogations, and field operations. Intelligence collected through these efforts helped identify agents involved in trafficking victims to cyber-fraud hubs across Southeast Asia,” they said.
Detailing the syndicate’s modus operandi, officials said the perpetrators reached out to citizens through social media or peer referrals, offering lucrative jobs abroad. Once a target expressed interest, the agents conducted interviews and arranged travel and other logistics, often instructing the victims to enter on tourist visas.
“Upon arrival at Bangkok airport, victims were received by armed Malaysian or Chinese operatives and covertly transported—frequently through remote terrains—into Myanmar, where the scam centers are situated,” officials said.
Also Read: Rs 1,455-Crore Cybercrime Racket Busted In Surat https://www.vibesofindia.com/rs-1455-crore-cybercrime-racket-busted-in-surat/
