CBI arrests Mumbai man over trafficking Indians to Myanmar cyber scam compounds

The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested Mumbai resident Sunil Nellathu Ramakrishnan, accused of supplying job-seeking Indian citizens to cyber scam compounds in Myanmar’s Myawaddy area, including KK Park. Officials say victims were lured with Thailand job offers, routed via Bangkok, and then coerced into online fraud under intimidation, confinement, and abuse.

India

-Krishna Kripa

Updated: Friday, March 27, 2026, 1:42 [IST]

The CBI said it arrested a Mumbai man accused of running a network that sent Indians into cyber scam compounds in Myanmar. Officials identified the suspect as Sunil Nellathu Ramakrishnan. The agency said the victims were taken to the Myawaddy area, including KK Park. Investigators said the victims were later forced into online fraud work.

Officials said organised transnational syndicates targeted job seekers with false promises of well-paid work in Thailand. Victims were first flown from Delhi to Bangkok. The travel route was then secretly changed towards Myanmar, investigators said. The agency said this diversion helped traffickers hide movements and control victims quickly.

CBI arrest linked to Myanmar cyber scam compounds

According to the agency, those held in the compounds were made to run several cyber fraud formats. These included digital arrest scams, romance fraud, and cryptocurrency investment cons. The statement said targets were located in many countries, including India. The CBI also said victims faced constant threats and severe limits on movement.

The statement added that trafficked people were kept in wrongful confinement. Officials said victims faced intimidation as well as physical and mental abuse. Investigators said the pressure continued to ensure compliance with scam activity. The CBI linked these conditions to the functioning of cyber scam centres operating from Myanmar.

CBI investigation finds trafficking route via Thailand for cyber scam

The CBI said it mapped the recruitment and transport method after speaking with returned victims. These interviews were conducted with people repatriated from Thailand in March 2025 and November 2025. The agency said these accounts explained how manpower was supplied into cyber slavery compounds. Officials said the pattern pointed to repeat organisers and handlers.

The spokesperson said Sunil, also known as Krish, was identified as a key organiser. Officials said Sunil acted as a major facilitator in moving victims and enabling exploitation in Southeast Asia. The statement added that Sunil played a central role in illegal transport arrangements. The CBI described Sunil as one of the main kingpins.

CBI surveillance in Mumbai leads to arrest in cyber scam case

Officials said Sunil was watched closely before the arrest. The CBI said Sunil was taken into custody soon after landing in Mumbai. After the arrest, the agency carried out searches at Sunil’s residence. The statement said investigators seized digital material linked to trafficking operations in Myanmar and Cambodia.

The agency said the case highlighted how job offers were used to move Indians into scam compounds abroad. Officials said the victims were taken through Thailand and then pushed into Myanmar secretly. The CBI said the seized digital evidence supported links with overseas trafficking activity. Officials have not shared further operational details in the statement.

With inputs from PTI