The Maharashtra cyber department has rescued six people, including a woman, from Laos, where they were held as ‘cyber slaves’ and coerced into committing online fraud targeting Indians. The victims, all from Maharashtra, revealed they were subjected to brutal torture when they refused to comply. Some have been identified as Siddhesh Jadhav, Snehal Jagtap, and Melwyn Paulson.
The crackdown comes just a month after the cyber department busted a major human trafficking and cyber fraud racket, rescuing 60 Indians from Myanmar and arresting multiple agents.
In the latest case, traffickers lured victims with fake overseas job offers posted on social media. Once in Laos, the victims realised they had been duped. They were forced into online fraud after undergoing cybercrime training and were instructed to scam fellow Indians.
“Some of them followed instructions and were given incentives of up to ₹70,000. While a few complied to survive, others resisted and faced severe physical abuse,” said Yashasvi Yadav, Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber Cell. He added, “Those who refused were locked in dark rooms, denied food and water, threatened with AK-47s, subjected to electric shocks, and even had their nails pulled out.”
Police sources said they became aware of the racket in April, and by the first week of May, successfully rescued and repatriated the six victims to Maharashtra. Some had been held in Laos for up to 145 days. Officials believe this case represents one of the most organised cyber slavery rackets, allegedly operated by Chinese syndicates targeting Indian youth.
According to Deputy Inspector General of Police Sanjay Shintre, “They were first flown to Bangkok and then moved to scam centres in Laos, where their documents were confiscated. The victims were given iPhones and international SIM cards and instructed to contact Indians through dating apps and other online scams. They were told to speak in their native languages and target high-profile individuals and companies.”
The scammers promised jobs as call centre agents, drivers, technicians, accountants, and other roles. Some victims were approached directly by agents, while others applied to fraudulent job ads. This scam has been active since 2022, police said. Victims were usually flown through Thailand or neighbouring countries, with their passports seized en route.
“The victims were treated like prisoners—kept in unhygienic conditions, denied proper food and medical care, and forced to work long hours,” said Shintre. “With help from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Laos, we were able to bring six back. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining Indians.”
A few months ago, police arrested Jerry Jacob (49) and Godfrey Alvos (39) in connection with the racket. Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend other agents involved.
