Mumbai police have apprehended two individuals for orchestrating a scheme that enticed over 25 indian youths with lucrative employment opportunities in thailand, only to coerce them into committing cybercrimes in Laos. An official disclosed this development on tuesday, revealing that Jerry Jacob (46) and his associate Godfrey Alvares (39) were arrested based on a complaint filed by siddharth Yadav (23).

The racket came to light with a case registered on march 23, implicating another agent named Sunny. Jacob is identified as the mastermind behind the operation. Yadav, along with three others from Thane, managed to return to india from laos with the assistance of the indian Embassy after falling victim to the fraudulent scheme.

Yadav recounted his ordeal, stating that he had travelled to thailand in december 2022 seeking employment opportunities but was instead transported to laos near the Thai border. Allegedly, Jacob, Alvares, and Sunny compelled Yadav and approximately two dozen indians to work in call centres, where they engaged in cyber fraud targeting individuals in Europe, America, and canada using counterfeit social media accounts.

According to Yadav's complaint, the perpetrators subjected call centre employees to exorbitant fines for minor infractions. Upon approaching the indian Embassy in laos for assistance, Yadav and his companions were subjected to physical assault by the accused. Fortunately, with the intervention of the indian Embassy and local authorities, all four victims, including Yadav, were rescued.

Charges against the accused include intimidation, wrongful confinement, smuggling, and fraud under the indian Penal Code. Both perpetrators were apprehended on monday evening while attempting to meet their family members in the city. Investigations have revealed plans for their imminent escape abroad.

Suspicions arise that the syndicate has defrauded over 100 unemployed youths nationwide over the years by enticing them with overseas job opportunities. The arrested individuals were presented before the court on tuesday and remanded to police custody until march 30 for further interrogation and legal proceedings.