Major crackdown on human trafficking: NIA conducts searches across 6 states

NIA searches across 22 locations in six states to crack down on international human trafficking syndicates

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) launched a significant operation on Thursday, conducting searches at 22 locations across six states as part of a crackdown on a major international human trafficking syndicate.

The operation is linked to a case filed under RC-10/2024/NIA/DLI, which involves serious charges under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sections 418, 419, 420, 370, 374, and 120B.

Sources indicate that the syndicate has global connections, with operations spanning multiple countries, including Myanmar and Laos. The investigation reveals that the trafficking network allegedly targeted youth from the Gopalganj district in Bihar, luring them with false promises of high-paying jobs abroad. Upon arrival in foreign countries, victims were reportedly held hostage in fake call centers, where they were coerced into participating in cyber fraud activities.

Keshav Singh, the owner of M.K. Training Centre, has already been arrested for his involvement in the trafficking operation. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the syndicate trafficked Indian youth under the pretense of securing employment abroad, only to force them into fraudulent cybercrime operations, including scams related to cryptocurrency and call center fraud.

The NIA’s ongoing investigation has uncovered links to cyber-scam operations in Myanmar and Laos, where hundreds of Indian nationals were reportedly exploited and forced to take part in criminal activities.

The Indian Embassy in Laos has been actively involved in rescuing victims, with 635 Indians already brought back this year. Previous rescues included 61 individuals in August and 13 others, including seven from Odisha, in May.

The fraudulent job offers typically advertise positions such as “Digital Sales and Marketing Executives” or “Customer Support Service” roles, which are actually fronts for scam operations. These fraudulent opportunities are often promoted by agents operating in locations like Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, and various cities across India. They promise high salaries, visa assistance, and travel arrangements, only to trap victims in illegal activities once they arrive abroad.

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