'Cyber slavery': CBI raids 9 locations in Delhi, UP, Mumbai in connection with human trafficking case; 1 held
Investigations revealed that victims were lured with false promises of high-paying employment and subsequently transported to scam compounds located primarily in Myanmar and Cambodia
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently probing a case involving an organised network of agents trafficking Indian nationals to Southeast Asian countries under the guise of lucrative overseas employment opportunities.
Investigations revealed that victims were lured with “false promises of high-paying employment” and subsequently transported to scam compounds located primarily in Myanmar and Cambodia. These facilities, operated by transnational cybercrime syndicates, have been described as hubs of “cyber slavery,” where trafficked individuals were forced to participate in various forms of cyber-enabled fraud.
Victims in these compounds were subjected to “severe restrictions on movement”, with their passports often confiscated upon arrival, the agency said. Reports indicate instances of “physical and psychological harassment”. In several cases, victims have been compelled to seek financial assistance from their families to pay ransom for their release, it said.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the CBI conducted coordinated searches at nine locations across four states, including Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Kashipur, and places in Gonda and Saharanpur districts of Uttar Pradesh.
This followed an extensive nationwide enquiry during which statements from victims were recorded.
The agency has also undertaken detailed financial analysis, including tracking cryptocurrency transactions, to identify individuals involved in the trafficking network.
During the searches, electronic devices containing incriminating evidence were seized.
One person has been arrested in Lucknow for his alleged role in facilitating the trafficking operations.
Preliminary findings suggest that agents involved in the network “receive payments from operators of scam compounds” in exchange for supplying Indian nationals.
