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Modern-Day Slavery: Mumbai woman, Bihar man arrested in Cambodia cyber scam out on bail

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Cyber Slavery Scam Case Cambodia

Hyderabad: Priyanka Shivkumar Siddu from Mumbai and Jitendra Sah from Bihar, accused in the Cambodia cyber slavery case, were out on bail after spending over 70 and 23 days respectively in jail.

On September 12, 2024, the Telangana State Cyber Security Bureau(TGCSB) arrested Priyanka Shivkumar Siddu, and on October 30, 2024, Jitendra Sah, after over a two-month investigation.

Going further into case details, in the month of June, a victim named Praveen filed a formal complaint with TGCSB stating he was lured by accused with a Computer Operator Job in Cambodia. After falling into the trap, he paid the commission and went to Cambodia. Upon arrival, he was handed over to Chinese nationals who coerced him into indulging in cyber scams.

TGCSB’s probe revealed thirty-year-old Priyanka Shivkumar Siddu from Chembur, Mumbai, a former employee of the licensed overseas job processing agency used her experience to start her own unlicensed recruitment operation. She lured job seekers with promises of high-paying positions abroad, particularly in Cambodia. Priyanka colluded with Narayana, who operated a similar agency in Mumbai. Narayana travelled to Cambodia and informed her about data entry job opportunities, introducing her to Jithender Shah alias Amer Khan, director of Chinese-owned Zhan Zei in Cambodia.

Accused lured job seekers to Cambodia, forced into cybercrime

According to TGCSB officials, Priyanka’s modus operandi involved advertising high-paying jobs in Cambodia through newspapers and social media. She allegedly collected Rs 30,000 as commission for each candidate, processed their visas, and sent them abroad.

The counsel representing the accused argued they were falsely implicated, the investigation is complete except for filing a charge sheet, and the Petitioners are ready to furnish sureties and cooperate with the investigation. They urged to grant bail.

Additional Public Prosecutor filed counters and resisted the applications on the grounds that the Petitioners played a prominent role in the offence and that the investigation is pending. If they are released on bail, they may influence witnesses, obstruct the investigation, and commit more offences, so the applications should be dismissed.

The Nampally court ordered the accused to be released on bail after they executed personal bonds for Rs.25,000 each. Further, it directed them to appear before the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau, Hyderabad every Saturday, deposit their passports,and cooperate with the investigation.