The Shillai police have registered a criminal case against an agent who had allegedly cheated and lured a youth of Kando village in Sirmaur district into going abroad on the pretext of a lucrative employment but was forced into illegal and obscene online activities.
According to the police, complainant Praveen Sharma, a resident of Kando village in Shillai, stated that he had been in contact with an agent over the phone who promised to send him abroad for work. The agent allegedly took Rs 70,000 and sent him to Bangkok, Thailand. From there, Praveen and a few other youths were taken close to the Thailand border and illegally pushed on the forest route to Myanmar.
Upon reaching Myanmar, they were made to work for a company involved in cyber fraud and illegal online activities. Praveen alleged that the operators created a fake female identity in his name and forced him to chat with people from the United States while impersonating a woman. He was also compelled to participate in obscene live video calls using artificial intelligence-based manipulation.
When Praveen expressed desire to return to India, his handlers allegedly demanded more money. However, the Thai army rescued him and others later and they were detained for eight days in jail on the charge of crossing border illegally. On November 10, 2025, the Indian Embassy intervened and facilitated their safe return to India.
Sirmaur SP Nishchint Singh Negi said, "This case highlights how international cybercrime networks are trapping innocent youths on the pretext of high-paying foreign jobs. People must verify the antecedents of the agents thoroughly and avoid illegal routes at all costs. Such frauds not only lead to financial losses but can also put lives in serious danger."
Meanwhile, the Sirmaur police have appealed to the general public, especially the unemployed youth, to remain vigilant and not fall prey to agents who promise quick money abroad. They warned that such offers often lead to fraud, exploitation and life-threatening situations.