The raids are part of the NIA’s ongoing investigation into the activities of the human trafficking and cyber slavery syndicate allegedly masterminded by absconding accused Anand Kumar Singh, also known as Munna Singh.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday carried out searches at six locations in three states as part of its probe into a Cambodia-linked human trafficking and cyber slavery case. The agency said the action was linked to an organised syndicate accused of luring Indian youth abroad with false promises of legitimate, well-paying jobs.
The searches were conducted at premises linked to associates and supporters of the arrested accused as well as absconding persons in the case. The NIA said it seized smartphones, laptops, digital devices and other incriminating documents and items during the operation.
According to the agency, searches were conducted at one location each in the Bihar districts of Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran and East Champaran, besides one location each in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.
The raids are part of the NIA’s ongoing investigation into the activities of the human trafficking and cyber slavery syndicate allegedly masterminded by absconding accused Anand Kumar Singh, also known as Munna Singh.
The NIA’s investigation so far has found that vulnerable Indian youth were recruited through sub-agents and travel agents in India and sent to Cambodia with the help of Anand’s associates. The victims were allegedly lured on the promise of genuine jobs, but their passports were seized on arrival, and they were handed over, along with other trafficked individuals, to scam companies in Cambodia.
In their statements, the victims told investigators that they were forced to work for these scam companies. The NIA said refusal to work led to mental and physical torture, including electric shocks, forceful confinement, and denial of food and water.
