**Title:** Andhra Pradesh Police Bust International Human Trafficking Ring
**Meta Description:** Andhra Pradesh police rescue 85 victims from a human trafficking racket, arresting 20 suspects involved in luring youths with fake job offers.
**URL Slug:** andhra-pradesh-human-trafficking-bust
**Headline:** Andhra Pradesh Police Uncover Major Human Trafficking Operation, Rescuing 85 Victims
In a significant operation against human trafficking, the Andhra Pradesh police have successfully rescued 85 individuals and apprehended 20 suspects linked to an international racket. This operation targeted a scheme that deceived Indian youths into participating in scam operations across Southeast Asia, falsely promising data entry jobs.
During a press conference on Wednesday, City Police Commissioner Sankhabrata Bagchi revealed that the latest arrests occurred on July 14 at Visakhapatnam Airport. Two agents, identified as Suresh and Adilakshmi, were caught attempting to traffic four individuals to Cambodia. This incident is part of a broader initiative aimed at dismantling transnational cybercrime networks, with nine human trafficking cases registered to date.
The victims were reportedly sent to scam centers in Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos, where they were coerced into executing online fraud schemes. Most of those affected are Telugu-speaking youths from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Investigators estimate that approximately 500 individuals from northern Andhra Pradesh remain trapped in Myanmar and Cambodia, having fallen victim to fraudulent job offers.
Commissioner Bagchi noted that Suresh, one of the arrested agents, had previously worked in a Cambodian cybercrime hub before returning to India to recruit more victims. The primary suspect in this case has been identified as Vijayakumar, also known as Sunny, who allegedly orchestrated the recruitment process.
The trafficked youths were forced to engage in online investment scams involving fake stocks, cryptocurrencies, and digital gold. The illicit earnings were reportedly laundered through multiple layers, converted into cryptocurrency, and funneled to Singapore. During the recent arrests, police seized two mobile phones, 20 SIM cards, ₹50,000 in cash, and $2,000 (approximately ₹1.8 lakh) from the suspects.
Commissioner Bagchi issued a warning to recruitment agents and consultancy firms operating without proper authorization, stating they would face legal action under the Immigration Act of 1983. He urged job seekers to exercise caution and verify the credentials of any overseas job offers before proceeding.
To assist victims and their families, the Visakhapatnam Police have established a dedicated helpline at 79950 95799.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What should job seekers do to avoid falling victim to human trafficking scams?**
A: Job seekers should thoroughly research potential employers, verify job offers, and be cautious of opportunities that seem too good to be true, especially those involving overseas placements.
