1 more held in human trafficking racket

City police have made another arrest on Sunday in connection with an ongoing investigation into a human trafficking and cybercrime racket linked to agents in Cambodia.
The recent arrest brings the total count of individuals apprehended in the case to 11. The arrested individual, identified as Bongu Murali, resides in the Prasad Gardens area of Visakhapatnam’s One Town area.
According to Visakhapatnam Cyber Crime Inspector Bhavani Prasad, Murali, allegedly operating an institute named ‘Bhavana Fabricators and Engineering Works,’ is accused of facilitating the trafficking of unemployed youths to Cambodia under false pretenses of employment in computer data entry. Reports suggest that Murali allegedly took money from unsuspecting individuals, promising them lucrative job opportunities in Cambodia. However, upon arrival, victims were coerced into participating in cyber scams against their home country.
One victim from Srikakulam reportedly endured mistreatment and coercion to engage in cyber scams after being promised a computer data entry job in Cambodia for a payment of Rs 1.6 lakh. The victim’s plight came to light when his elder brother reported the situation to cybercrime police, leading to an investigation and Murali’s detention.
Police investigations revealed that Murali orchestrated the trafficking scheme under the guise of providing legitimate employment opportunities.
He allegedly arranged travel logistics through Akbar Travels in Mumbai and facilitated currency exchange for the victims. In some instances, Cambodian agents provided flight tickets and e-visas, enabling Murali to dispatch individuals to Cambodia for illicit activities.
Following his arrest, Bongu Murali has been remanded into custody as the investigation continues into the wider network of human trafficking and cybercrime. Murali is also under scanner in multiple cases, including four charges of cheating. The uncovering of this racket is credited to the efforts of Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner A Ravi Shankar, Joint CP K Fakirappa, and Visakhapatnam City Cyber Crime Inspector K Bhavani Prasad. Their collaborative efforts, including ‘Operation Cambodia,’ have led to the rescue of numerous Indian nationals ensnared in the scheme.
The rescued individuals hail from various cities and states across India. Victims of such scams are urged to contact Cyber Crime Inspector K Bhavani Prasad at 9490617917, the control room at 0891-2565454, or the Commissioner of Police WhatsApp number at 9493336633.