Ghost Busted: Crackdown on International Cyber Slavery Network

Gujarat Police arrested Nilesh Purohit, the alleged leader of an international cyber slavery network in collaboration with Chinese gangs. Operating from Myanmar and Cambodia, Purohit trafficked job seekers, forcing them into cybercrime. This network involved over 500 individuals from various countries and yielded crores through illicit transactions.

In a significant breakthrough, Gujarat Police have apprehended Nilesh Purohit, the alleged mastermind behind a sprawling international cyber slavery network operated by Chinese gangs from Myanmar and Cambodia. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced the arrest, which marks a critical step in dismantling the global syndicate.

Purohit, also known as 'The Ghost,' was captured in Gandhinagar while allegedly planning to abscond to Malaysia. The Cyber Centre for Excellence of the Criminal Investigation Department arrested Purohit, who reportedly orchestrated the trafficking of Indian workers to cyber slavery compounds. Two of his main associates, Hitesh Somaiya and Sonal Faldu, have also been detained.

The network, linked with over 100 Chinese and foreign entities, has trafficked more than 500 individuals from countries including India, Sri Lanka, and Nigeria. The victims were promised lucrative jobs but were coerced into engaging in cybercrimes. Financial transactions involved crores of rupees laundered through mule accounts and cryptocurrency wallets.

(With inputs from agencies.)