Two Arrested for Trafficking Indian Youth for Cyber Slavery

Authorities in Thane, India, have apprehended two individuals for allegedly trafficking young men to Thailand and Myanmar for the purpose of cyber slavery. The arrests were made following the return of two victims, who reported that they had each paid a ransom of Rs 6 lakh to escape the ordeal. The incidents highlight a disturbing trend in human trafficking linked to cybercrime.

The Mira-Bhayander, Vasai-Virar (MBVV) police disclosed that the suspects are Asif Khan, also known as Nepali, and Rohit Kumar Mardana. Khan, a resident of Mira Road in Thane district, reportedly lured the two young men with promises of employment in Thailand in August 2025. Mardana, hailing from Visakhapatnam, was arrested in Surat after being identified as a recipient of part of the ransom funds.

According to Senior Inspector Sushilkumar Shinde, the victims were held captive and forced to work for a company named UU8, which operates out of Myanmar. The operation is believed to be managed by a Chinese national known as Leo and an Indian identified as Steve Anna. The victims were coerced into creating fraudulent Facebook profiles using the identities of Indian women. Their role was to entice potential targets, primarily Indians living abroad, into investing in cryptocurrency and Bitcoin schemes.

The MBVV police received complaints from the victims after their return to India, prompting an investigation that led to the arrests. Authorities are concerned about the increasing prevalence of such trafficking operations, which exploit the vulnerabilities of young individuals seeking employment opportunities abroad.

This case underscores the serious implications of cybercrime and human trafficking. Law enforcement agencies are now working to dismantle similar networks that prey on vulnerable populations. The police urge anyone who suspects they may be a victim of such schemes to come forward and report their experiences.

As investigations continue, the MBVV police remain vigilant in their efforts to combat human trafficking and protect potential victims from falling prey to these dangerous operations.