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CBI raids in four states over trafficking network sending Indians to South-East Asia for jobs
The Central Bureau of Investigation conducted raids in nine locations across Mumbai, Delhi, Kashipur in Uttarakhand, and in Gonda, Lucknow, and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, as part of an investigation into a trafficking network that sends Indian nationals to South-East Asia for jobs. An arrest was made and electronic devices were seized; investigators are also tracing cryptocurrency to identify network members. Victims were lured with false job promises and allegedly kept in compounds in Myanmar and Cambodia, described as cyber slavery.
Why It Matters
The case highlights cross-border human trafficking and cyber-enabled exploitation and shows ongoing law-enforcement efforts to disrupt such networks.
Timeline
8 Events
Victims' conditions: movement restrictions, passport confiscation, and ransom demands
May 6, 2026
Victims face severe restrictions on movement, passports are confiscated upon arrival, and some are compelled to seek funds from families to pay ransom for release.
Compounds described as 'cyber slavery' hubs run by transnational cybercrime syndicates
May 6, 2026
These facilities were described as hubs of 'cyber slavery,' where trafficked individuals are forced to participate in cyber-enabled rackets.
Victims lured with false promises and transported to Myanmar and Cambodia
May 6, 2026
The probe found that victims were lured with false promises of high-paying overseas jobs and subsequently transported to scam compounds located primarily in Myanmar and Cambodia.
Financial analysis including cryptocurrency tracing
May 6, 2026
The investigation includes detailed financial analysis, including tracking cryptocurrency transactions to identify network members.
Electronic devices seized during searches
May 6, 2026
Electronic devices containing incriminating evidence were seized.
One individual arrested during raids
May 6, 2026
An individual was arrested following the raids for his role in facilitating the trafficking.
CBI raids carried out in nine locations across four states
May 6, 2026
Raids covered nine locations, including Mumbai and Delhi, as well as Kashipur in Uttarakhand and Gonda, Lucknow, Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh.
Nationwide enquiry and victim statements collected
May 6, 2026
The CBI states that an extensive nationwide enquiry had been conducted, during which statements from victims were recorded.