Latest news with #VisakhapatnamAirport
India Today
18-07-2025
- India Today
Lured abroad with jobs, forced into scams: Andhra cops bust racket, 85 rescued
Andhra Pradesh police have rescued 85 individuals and arrested 20 accused in connection with an international human trafficking racket that lured Indian youths into scam operations in Southeast Asia under the pretence of offering data entry a press conference on Wednesday, City Police Commissioner Sankhabrata Bagchi said the most recent arrests were made on July 14, when two agents, Suresh and Adilakshmi, were apprehended at Visakhapatnam Airport while attempting to traffic four persons to Cambodia. The incident is part of a wider crackdown on transnational cybercrime networks. Nine human trafficking cases have so far been registered in this ongoing to police, the victims were sent to scam centres in Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos, where they were allegedly coerced into running online frauds. The majority of those trafficked were Telugu-speaking youths from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Investigators estimate that around 500 individuals from northern Andhra Pradesh are currently trapped in Myanmar and Cambodia, having been duped by fake job offers. The Commissioner said Suresh, one of the recently arrested agents, had previously worked in a Cambodian cybercrime hub before returning to India to recruit more victims. The prime suspect in the case has been identified as Vijayakumar, also known as Sunny, who allegedly coordinated the recruitment trafficked youths were allegedly forced to carry out online investment scams involving fake stocks, cryptocurrencies, and digital gold. The illicit proceeds were reportedly laundered through several layers, converted into cryptocurrency, and routed to seized two mobile phones, 20 SIM cards, Rs 50,000 in cash, and 2,000 dollars (approximately Rs 1.8 lakh) from the accused during the latest Bagchi warned that recruitment agents and consultancy firms operating without proper authorisation would face action under the Immigration Act, 1983. He urged job seekers to remain vigilant and verify credentials before accepting overseas support victims and their families, Visakhapatnam Police have launched a dedicated helpline: 79950 95799.- Ends IN THIS STORY#Andhra Pradesh#Telangana
NDTV
17-07-2025
- NDTV
85 Rescued By Visakhapatnam Cops After Crackdown On Human Trafficking Racket
Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam Police has rescued 85 individuals and arrested 22 in a major crackdown on human trafficking and cybercrime operations, Dr. Shankabrata Bagchi, Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner announced on Wednesday. These criminal networks primarily targeted the Southeast Asian nations like Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos, preying on the aspirations of Indian youth seeking lucrative overseas employment. "Cybercrime police have arrested a gang involved in illegal human trafficking for cybercrimes, ensuring the safety of innocent victims," stated Commissioner Bagchi, emphasising the department's commitment to public safety. The Commissioner highlighted a disturbing trend where promising advertisements for "data entry jobs in air-conditioned rooms" with high salaries and minimal educational requirements lure unsuspecting young individuals into a trap. These victims, predominantly unemployed youth, are then trafficked to countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, and Bangkok, where they are coerced into working for China-based cyber scam companies. How Cops Cracked It A recent breakthrough occurred on July 14, 2025, when police apprehended an agent named Suresh from Gajuwaka and his accomplice, Adilakshmi alias Anu, at Visakhapatnam Airport. They were attempting to send four young men and women to Cambodia under the false pretense of data entry jobs. Investigations revealed that Suresh, who had previously worked in a scam company in Cambodia, had returned to India and, with the assistance of Vijay Kumar alias Sunny and Adilakshmi, had already trafficked 12 individuals. From them, police seized two cell phones, Rs 50,000 in cash, $2,000 (Rs 1.80 lakh), and 20 SIM cards. Police investigations indicate that Vijay Kumar alias Sunny acts as the primary agent for China-based scam companies in Cambodia, specifically targeting Telugu-speaking youth from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. He uses local agents to entice unemployed individuals with false promises of employment. According to police intelligence, approximately 500 individuals from North Andhra have travelled to Cambodia and Myanmar on visiting visas. While some are genuine victims, the authorities believe others are intentionally involved in cybercrimes and have become agents themselves, recruiting more unemployed youth from India. Commissioner Bagchi issued a stern warning to fake agents and consultancies, stating that strict action will be taken under the Emigration Act-1983 against those deceiving the public. He emphasised that legitimate agents must hold a valid registration certificate, adhere to the Protection of Immigration Act, and refrain from overcharging or appointing sub-agents. Unregistered or fraudulent agents promising foreign jobs face immediate legal action and arrest. Public Advisory Issued A public advisory was also issued, urging citizens to verify agents' credentials on and to report suspicious activities or demands for high fees to the Visakhapatnam CP's special number 7995095799. Victims of scams are advised to call 1930 to file a complaint. Furthermore, an advisory to parents/guardians urged them to verify the activities of their children or relatives working in China-related scam companies in Cambodia, Myanmar, or Bangkok. "If they are involved in criminal activities, advise them to return to the country immediately. Otherwise, file a complaint with the City Police Commissioner," Dr. Bagchi urged. He warned that failure to comply could result in a Lookout Circular (LOC) and legal action, with information gathering coordinated via the Indian Embassy. "In this era where small hopes lead to big scams... Caution is protection. Stay alert - Don't get scammed - Stay aware," the Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner said, reiterating the urgency of public awareness and cooperation in combating these sophisticated criminal operations.
Hans India
17-07-2025
- Hans India
Fake agents taken into custody by city police
Visakhapatnam: Suresh and Adilakshmi, agents from Gajuwaka, who tried to send four young women to Cambodia under the pretext of assuring them data entry jobs, were arrested at Visakhapatnam Airport. Briefing the media here on Wednesday, City Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi appealed to youth not to rely on such agents for jobs abroad. Suresh went to Cambodia and worked in a Chinese scam company for a while. He made acquaintance with a person Vijay Kumar, who presented himself as an agent in Cambodia. They teamed up to make easy money by sending youths who are desperate to get jobs abroad. Suresh was sending unemployed youth to Cambodia with the support of Adilakshmi alias Anu and Vijay Kumar alias Sunny. During the investigation, it came to the notice of the city police that the accused team is targeting Telugu people from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states and sending them to Cambodia by promising them job opportunities. The CP stated that the accused sent 12 people so far. The city police seized two mobile phones, Rs 50,000 cash, $2,000 (Rs 1,80,000/-) and 20 SIM cards from them. The Visakhapatnam city police had earlier brought back 85 innocent youths who had gone to Cambodia and Myanmar as they were cheated in the name of data entry operator jobs.
Hans India
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Port City ready for IYD celebration
Visakhapatnam: The11th International Yoga Day will be one of the biggest editions ever organised and the district administration is pulling out all stops to make it a massive success. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi arriving in Visakhapatnam a day before to take part in Yogandhra-2025 scheduled on June 21 (Saturday), he was received by Governor S Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan along with an army of Ministers at Visakhapatnam Airport on Friday. The Prime Minister will take part in the International Yoga Day to be held at RK Beach scheduled to commence at 6:30 am and last till 7:45 am. Terming it as a historical celebration, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu mentioned that over 2 crore people will join the mega event scheduled in 1 lakh different locations across the State. In Visakhapatnam, about 26-km-long stretch that runs along RK Beach to Bheemunipatnam has been readied for the Yoga Day celebrations and the event is set to find a place in Guinness World Records along with a host of other world records for its largest participation ever. Long stretches of Beach Road have been carpeted in green, barricades were placed and flexies were installed, greeting Modi at various places across the city. About 326 compartments were facilitated forthe purpose. Guinness Record representatives will be present in each compartment at the beach stretch as the massive event is set to break world records. For safety reasons, an army of professional swimmers and snake catchers will be deployed along the stretch. A temporary hospital has been facilitated at every 5-km stretch. This apart, 335 LED screens and 326 WiFi points were facilitated. Approximately, 10,000 vehicles, including RTC buses, were used for transportation of the participants. Tight security cover is in place with 10,000 police personnel. As part of the safety protocol, the officials went through RT-PCR tests on Friday.
Hans India
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
PM arrives in Vizag for IYD celebrations
Visakhapatnam: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Visakhapatnam to take part in Yogandhra-2025 scheduled on June 21. Governor S Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan received Modi, along with an army of ministers accorded a warm welcome to the PM at the Visakhapatnam Airport. The Prime Minister will take part in the International Yoga Day to be held at RK Beach in Visakhapatnam. The massive celebration is scheduled to commence at 6:30 am and will continue till 7:45 am. Terming it as a historic celebration, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu mentioned that over 2 crore people will join the massive event scheduled in 1 lakh locations across the state. In Visakhapatnam, about a 26-km-long stretch that runs along RK Beach to Bheemunipatnam has been readied for the yoga day celebrations and the event is set to find a place in Guinness World Records along with a host of other world records for its largest participation ever. Long stretches of beach road have been carpeted in green, barricades were placed and flexies were arranged welcoming Modi at various places in the city.
