New Delhi, July 7: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday carried out extensive searches at six locations across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi as part of its ongoing investigation into a Cambodia-linked human trafficking and cyber slavery racket.
According to an official NIA statement, searches were conducted in the Bihar districts of Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran and East Champaran, besides one location each in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. The raids targeted premises linked to associates and supporters of arrested and absconding accused in case RC-10/2024/NIA/DLI.
During the operation, the NIA seized smartphones, laptops, several digital devices and other incriminating documents believed to be connected with the trafficking network.
The agency said the investigation centres on an organised syndicate allegedly masterminded by absconding accused Anand Kumar Singh alias Munna Singh, who, along with four associates—Prahlad Kumar Singh, Abhay Nath Dubey, Abhiranjan Kumar and Rohit Yadav—was chargesheeted by the NIA in May 2026. Earlier this year, three of Anand’s aides were arrested in Delhi upon their return from Cambodia.
Investigators have found that the syndicate allegedly lured Indian youth with false promises of legitimate, high-paying jobs in Cambodia. Once there, victims’ passports were confiscated and they were allegedly handed over to scam companies, where they were forced into cyber fraud operations.
The NIA further revealed that vulnerable youth were recruited through sub-agents and travel agents operating in India before being trafficked abroad with the assistance of the accused and their associates.
Statements recorded from rescued victims indicate they were subjected to severe mental and physical abuse for refusing to work, including electric shocks, confinement, and denial of food and water.
The NIA said efforts are continuing to trace the absconding accused and dismantle the remaining members of the international human trafficking and cyber slavery syndicate. (KNC)
