Punjab Police Arrests Two Travel Agents for Human Trafficking and Cyber Scamming
CHANDIGARH, July 3: Amidst efforts to bolster Punjab’s security under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s directives, the Cyber Crime Division of Punjab Police has apprehended two travel agents involved in illegal trafficking. Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, announced this development on Wednesday. Identified as the arrested individuals are Amarjeet Singh, the owner of Visa Palace Immigration in Mohali, and his accomplice Gurjodh Singh.
Arrested travel agents were sending innocent people from Punjab
The arrested travel agents fraudulently sent innocent people from Punjab to Cambodia under the guise of promising lucrative Data Entry jobs. Upon their arrival in Siem Reap, Cambodia, authorities promptly confiscated their passports and coerced them into working in cyber scamming call centers that specifically target Indian victims for financial fraud.
Subsequently, following the victim’s escape and subsequent contact with the Indian Embassy, the State Cyber Crime Police Station swiftly registered FIR No. 19. This case encompasses sections 370, 406, 420, and 120-B of the IPC, in addition to section 24 of the Immigration Act.
Accused travel agents fraudulently sent individuals to Cambodia
Preliminary investigations reveal that the accused fraudulently sent individuals to Cambodia and other South-East Asian countries, coercing them into roles involved in cyber scamming specifically targeting Indians. Presently, authorities are actively focusing efforts on gathering details about these victims of cyber slavery and establishing contact with them and their families.
Police Operations and Arrests
Awareness and Advisory
ADGP Cyber Crime Division V Neeraja cautioned citizens about fraudulent immigration schemes, stressing the importance of exercising caution, especially when confronted with alluring job offers abroad.
She advised potential victims to diligently vet prospective employers, avoid engaging in illegal cyber activities, and promptly seek assistance from the Indian Embassy if necessary.
Government Support and Helplines
The Ministry of External Affairs operates the Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC), offering round-the-clock support via a toll-free helpline (1800113090). Moreover, Punjab’s State Cyber Crime Division helpline (0172-2226258) assists victims in seeking assistance through the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.
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