Kochi sex racket: Film, TV actors and gangsters under scanner as Dubai modeling trap probe widens

KOCHI: The Kerala Police have widened their investigation into an international human trafficking and sex racket to probe potential links with movie and television actors, as well as local gang syndicates. The racket allegedly lured women to Dubai under the pretext of high-end fashion workshops and modelling assignments.
The investigation has turned its focus toward an event management firm operated by the children of the prime accused, 56-year-old Sindhu (alias Stoicy). Detectives are verifying whether the firm used its industry connections with actors to influence and recruit unsuspecting victims.
Furthermore, a multi-agency angle has emerged, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) gathering intelligence on the network.

According to source reports, the second accused, 23-year-old Aleena, reportedly maintains deep ties with narcotics and underworld syndicates in Thiruvananthapuram. Investigators revealed that Aleena had previously intimidated complainants by leveraging the reputation of her partner, Aurangazeb, a notorious local gang leader. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend him.

Sindhu, who was intercepted by authorities at the Mumbai International Airport, was flown to Kochi for high-level interrogation. Given her history as a cardiac patient, police officials noted that the questioning is proceeding with medical precautions. A long-term resident of Dubai for over two decades, Sindhu allegedly masterminded the operation—facilitating travel visas, luxury hotel accommodations, and fraudulent promises of lucrative media careers. Local operatives, identified as Manjima and Aleena, acted as scouts to identify and recruit the targets.

The legal net around the syndicate continues to tighten. The total number of registered cases rose to three after a victim from Kollam approached the Ernakulam Magistrate Court. Law enforcement had initiated a lookout circular against Sindhu on May 9, immediately following the first official complaint.
Measures are currently underway to extradite two additional female suspects who are hiding in Dubai.
Commenting on the breakthrough, Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar emphasised the structured nature of the operation:
"This was a highly organised crime executed under the facade of modelling opportunities, and a comprehensive probe is underway. As of now, we have found no evidence suggesting the victims were utilised for gold smuggling operations."