Gorakhpur Youth Captured in Cybercrime Trap in Cambodia -

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Gorakhpur Youth Captured in Cybercrime Trap in Cambodia

An instance of suspected forced cybercrime and human trafficking has surfaced from the Gorakhpur area of Uttar Pradesh, where a cybercrime network is said to have taken 25-year-old Ram Pratap hostage in Cambodia. According to the victim’s family, they are being forced to pay ₹27 lakh in exchange for his freedom.

Anirudh Singh, the youth’s father, filed a legal complaint alleging that his son had gone to Cambodia last month to pursue work. Ram Pratap, who was from Matiyaniya Junibi village, which is inside the boundaries of the Pipraich police station, had travelled overseas via a Bihar-based agent who was introduced to the family by a relative.

Singh claimed that a gang operating in Cambodia allegedly coerced Ram Pratap into engaging in cybercrime activities shortly after his arrival. Things became antagonistic when he refused to take part and stated that he wanted to go back to India. The group apparently captured him, and attempts to rescue him were unsuccessful.

Singh claimed in his complaint that the family member who made the travel arrangements stole ₹21,000 from them in exchange for guaranteeing Ram Pratap’s safe return. Communication with Ram Pratap, however, showed that the situation had gotten worse. The family allegedly received a frightening phone call two days ago requesting ₹27 lakh to pay for his “release,” food, and accommodation.

A preliminary investigation into the matter has been initiated, according to Purushottam Singh, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Pipraich. “According to preliminary information, a relative assisted in sending the young person to Cambodia. This relative was mentioned by the father in his written complaint. A thorough investigation is being conducted, and the young person is still overseas,” the SHO stated.

Authorities are concerned about the case because it highlights the increasing number of young Indians who are falling for criminal cybercrime rackets in Southeast Asia after being enticed overseas with fraudulent employment promises.

In recent years, cities in Cambodia have come under increased scrutiny for being centers of organized cybercrime, which frequently involves forced labor. In order to ensure Ram Pratap’s safe return, family members and villagers have now urged the government and representatives of the Indian embassy to step in.

After being trafficked to nations like Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar under the pretence of lucrative work opportunities, Indian people were allegedly forced into cyber scams in a number of similar cases that have been publicized in recent months.

About The Author:

Yogesh Naager is a content marketer who specializes in the cybersecurity and B2B space. Besides writing for the News4Hackers blogs, he also writes for brands including Craw Security, Bytecode Security, and NASSCOM.

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