KK Park, Myawaddy key recruiter HR Neel arrested by India from Gujarat State - Operation INDIGO
The Cyber Centre of Excellence (CCoE), Gujarat, has uncovered a major international cyber trafficking and fraud syndicate operating across multiple countries. The operation, code-named “INDIGO”, has led to the arrest of four key recruiters and trafficking agents, including the alleged kingpin @Neel Purohit, who orchestrated a global network that trafficked Indian citizens—primarily youth from Gujarat—into cyber scam compounds in Southeast Asia.
Background: A Growing Transnational Crime
Over the past few years, scam compounds in Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand) have emerged as epicenters of large-scale fraud operations. These criminal networks operate under the guise of offering high-paying overseas jobs but instead coerce victims into performing cyber scams under harsh, prison-like conditions.
In October 2025, after a joint crackdown on the KK Park scam hub in Myanmar, the Indian government facilitated the rescue and repatriation of 465 Indian nationals—many from Gujarat—who were trafficked and forced into cybercrime activities under threats and physical abuse.
How the Syndicate Operated (Modus Operandi)
The investigation revealed a highly organized system of recruitment and trafficking:
1. Fake Overseas Job Offers
- Targets: young job seekers, freelancers, tech graduates, unemployed citizens
- Platforms used: WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, unregulated travel groups
- Promised jobs: IT support, data entry, crypto trading, customer service
2. Grooming and Interviews
- Recruiters conducted pseudo-professional interviews
- Travel, visa, and ticketing were arranged to appear legitimate
3. Tourist Visa Route
- Victims were largely sent to Thailand on tourist visas
- On arrival at Bangkok airport, they were intercepted by armed Chinese/Malaysian handlers
- They were illegally transported across land routes into Myanmar scam compounds
4. Conditions in Scam Compounds
- Confiscation of passports
- Violent threats, forced labour, no communication with family
- Pressure to commit social engineering scams targeting Indians
- 14–18 hours a day of fraud operations under CCTV surveillance
- Zero freedom and no escape
International Criminal Nexus
The kingpin, operating under the alias @Neel Purohit, built a multi-layered network of sub-agents across several countries, including:
Recruitment Network Countries
- Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal
- Philippines, Nigeria, Egypt
- Cameroon, Benin, Tunisia
Destination Countries
- Myanmar
- Cambodia
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Dubai
This reveals a global trafficking pipeline connecting South Asia to transnational cybercrime networks involving operatives from China, Pakistan, and Southeast Asian criminal groups.
The Gujarat Police Response
The CCoE conducted:
- Technical intelligence analysis
- Data forensics
- Interrogation-based intelligence
- Field surveillance and coordinated operations
After collecting crucial information from repatriated victims and national cyber agencies like I4C, Gujarat Police registered a criminal case under human trafficking and conspiracy provisions and successfully arrested 4 accused including the mastermind.
Dr. K. L. N. Rao, IPS, Additional Director General of Police, CID (Crime & Railways), Gujarat, praised the CCoE team and reiterated:
“Gujarat Police is committed to dismantling organized cybercrime and trafficking networks, and ensuring safety and justice for citizens.”
Public Advisory
All Indian citizens—especially youth—are advised to be extremely careful before accepting overseas job offers.
✔ Verify travel agents via official government website:
www.emigrate.gov.in
✔ Avoid job offers that guarantee high salaries without clear terms, legal contracts, or company verification.
✔ Report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or the Cyber Centre of Excellence immediately.
Operation INDIGO reflects a breakthrough in India’s fight against cyber slavery, human trafficking, and international scam facilitation networks. Gujarat Police has taken a major step in disrupting criminals who exploit economic vulnerability to fuel online fraud globally.
This case also serves as a wake-up call for job seekers, authorities, and communities to recognize the scale and sophistication of these modern-day digital trafficking syndicates.
If You Suspect a Scam
📞 Contact Police Cyber Helpline: 1930
📍 Visit nearest police station
📧 Report cybercrime: www.cybercrime.gov.in
Stay alert. Verify before you trust. Your caution can save your life.
