Kerala police have cracked down on people-smugglers luring women to Dubai on the promise of modeling

Kochi city police have busted a suspected people smuggler who allegedly lured women from Kerala to Dubai with the promise of modeling opportunities before subjecting them to sexual exploitation.

Maradu police have so far arrested three women and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police Aswatha Jiji to investigate the case further.

Among those arrested are Toicy Sindhu, a native of Perumbavoor, Aleena Abraham of Ponguvila, Thiruvananthapuram and Manjima of Ponnani. Toicy, who is the first accused, allegedly coordinated the human trafficking operations from an apartment in Maradu. Manjima and Aleena are the third and fourth accused.

Police said they were trying to track down two other key people linked to the alleged human trafficking and sexual exploitation of women abroad. The lawsuit against the accused was initiated based on the complaints of two victims.

Kochi City Police Commissioner S. Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar said in Kochi on Tuesday that one of the victims was taken to Dubai after being offered a job at a beauty parlour. She was sexually abused and her mobile phone and passport were confiscated by the accused, who also took visuals to threaten her, he said.

After her visa expired, she managed to escape from the traffickers’ custody with the help of local contacts in Dubai. Her complaint led to another investigation, which got a boost after another victim approached the police with a similar complaint. The victims informed the police that they were forcibly confined in apartments in Dubai and subjected to repeated abuse.

Operating mode

The racket is said to have lured budding models and beauticians by coming up with well-crafted social media campaigns. The accused sent out advertisements in January 2026 inviting applications for a fashion show to be held in Dubai in February. The accused promised the victims international exposure, modeling and other job opportunities.

Police said they are probing the fourth accused’s alleged links to certain criminal networks in Kochi. Investigators are also looking into whether the accused received protection and support from such gangs in their operations.

Police said more complaints against racketeers are expected in the coming days.

Published – 19 May 2026 14:14 IST