India’s Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested Sunil Nellathu Ramakrishnan, also known as Krish, over his alleged role in a transnational trafficking network tied to cyber scam operations across Southeast Asia.
In a statement dated 26 March 2026, the agency identified him as a key facilitator who helped move Indian citizens into scam compounds in Myanmar, particularly in Myawaddy.
Authorities said the arrest was made in Mumbai after tracking his movements, with follow-up searches uncovering digital evidence linked to operations extending into Myanmar and Cambodia.
Recruitment Pipeline and Cross-Border Movement
Investigators said the network relied on deceptive job offers, advertising lucrative roles in Thailand to attract victims. Those recruited were typically flown from Delhi to Bangkok before being covertly transported across borders into Myanmar.
This structured pipeline reflects a broader pattern seen across Southeast Asia, where organized syndicates coordinate recruitment, transit, and deployment into scam hubs. Victim testimonies gathered by authorities helped map this route and exposed the scale of coordination behind the operation.
Several Indian nationals who escaped these compounds in 2025 and later returned home provided key insights that strengthened the investigation and led to the identification of core operatives within the network.
Forced Participation in Crypto-Linked Scams
Once inside the compounds, victims were allegedly forced to carry out a range of online fraud schemes targeting individuals worldwide. These included cryptocurrency investment scams, romance scams, and impersonation-based “digital arrest” fraud.
Authorities said victims were held under strict control, facing confinement, intimidation, and abuse while being compelled to meet operational targets set by the syndicates. The use of cryptocurrency in these schemes allowed funds to move quickly across borders, making enforcement more complex.
The agency described Ramakrishnan as one of the main coordinators enabling both the movement and exploitation of victims. Investigations remain ongoing, with officials working to identify additional members of the network and dismantle its cross-border operations.
