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NIA court refuses to discharge prime accused in Laos trafficking case
A special NIA court in Mumbai refused to discharge Sudarshan Valmik Darade in a Laos trafficking–cum–cyber fraud case, saying the prosecution has more than enough material to frame charges. The court emphasized that discharge is not a mini-trial and that prima facie satisfaction is sufficient to proceed. The decision clears the path for framing charges against Darade and others based on voluminous evidence and identified roles.
Why It Matters
The ruling keeps the case moving toward trial and highlights efforts to tackle transnational trafficking and cyber fraud involving Laos, Thailand, and India. It underscores the use of documented evidence to establish individual involvement in a cross-border operation.
Timeline
2 Events
NIA court refuses to discharge prime accused Sudarshan Darade; charges likely to be framed
April 24, 2026
A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mumbai refused to discharge Sudarshan Valmik Darade in the Laos trafficking–cum–cyber fraud case. The judge, Special Judge Chakor S Baviskar, held that the prosecution record disclosed more than sufficient material to frame charges and that Darade’s role “reveals prominently from the voluminous evidence.” The discharge stage was described as not a mini-trial and prima facie satisfaction was deemed enough to proceed. The court accepted the prosecution’s case that emails from a foreign national identified as the company owner directing recruitment and contracts signed by Darade “in his capacity of CEO” of the Laos-based Long Sheng Company establish his strong involvement. It cited victim and staff statements, bank records, and digital evidence, including the use of apps for fund transfers, as part of the prima facie chain. Allegations of coercion—such as threats, confinement without food, beatings, and a demand of about $2,000 for release—were noted, along with reports of electric shocks for non-compliance. Some victims reportedly contacted the Indian embassy in Vientiane before returning to India to trigger the FIR. The court observed that if the unrebutted material would not likely culminate in acquittal, discharge is unwarranted; thus the case would proceed to trial. It cleared the way for framing charges against Darade, co-accused Jerry Jacob, Godfrey Alvares, and others.
Case registered at Vile Parle police station; later taken over by NIA
March 2024
The case was registered at the Vile Parle police station in Mumbai in March 2024 and later taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). It alleges a cross-border syndicate lured hundreds of Indian youths with overseas job offers, routed them via Thailand into the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on tourist visas, and forced them to run online investment and crypto scams. Victims were trained with scripts, multiple phones and accounts, and made to befriend targets on social media to induce investments that could not be withdrawn.