Myanmar-style cybercrime operation busted near Andhra SEZ; 100 detained

VISAKHAPATNAM: Police on Wednesday busted a Myanmar and Cambodia-style cybercrime network operating out of half a dozen buildings near Atchutapuram SEZ and industrial area in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalli district for two years, and detained over 100 people, including women.

The accused were taken to an undisclosed location and questioned about their daily activities, recruitment process, and operations. The accused allegedly targeted individuals in the US, UK, Australia, and other countries.

A police officer said the youths were recruited specifically for their distinct English accents to deceive foreign victims. The detainees were reportedly working in what appeared to be call centres. During the midnight raid, many workers managed to flee, taking advantage of the darkness and what was described as an insufficient police presence.

This first-of-its-kind anti-cybercrime operation followed four months of surveillance. The offices, spread across different buildings without signboards, were staffed by individuals from outside Andhra, mostly from northeastern states.

Many of the suspects claimed ignorance of the fraud, claiming they had joined only a week earlier and were still in "employee induction" phase. Police said they had not yet identified the kingpin. Located 80 km from Visakhapatnam, Atchutapuram has evolved into an industrial hub, featuring apartment complexes and group houses. Cops said the fraudsters carefully selected certain buildings to avoid suspicion.

Initial probe revealed the suspects were lured by monthly salaries ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000. "We thought it was a call centre. Most of them were always on their phones, and many of the flats had computers," a local said.

Sources identified three distinct roles among the suspects: some acted as bankers managing deposits, others handled transactions, and the rest were involved in defrauding foreigners directly.