NIA Cracks Down on International Human Trafficking Syndicate

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against five individuals, including two foreign nationals, suspected of being part of an international human trafficking and cyber fraud syndicate. The accused coerced Indian youths to work in fraudulent call centres abroad, using threats and control tactics.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its crackdown on international human trafficking and cyber fraud syndicates. On Friday, the agency filed a charge sheet against five individuals, including two foreign nationals, suspected to be part of a major racket trafficking Indian youths and coercing them to work in fraudulent call centres abroad.

The NIA's investigations revealed that the powerful syndicates employed victim control tactics against trafficked youths who refused to continue their online fraud work. These methods ranged from confiscation of personal travel documents to severe threats and physical abuse. Victims faced isolation and restricted movement, with some even being tortured if they resisted.

The probe highlighted that the accused targeted Indian youths proficient in computers and English, recruiting them on tourist visas. These victims were transported to the Golden Triangle SEZ in Lao PDR via Thailand and trained in Facebook, Telegram, cryptocurrency, and scam applications. The NIA's charge sheet was filed before a special court in Mumbai, exposing significant international linkages and involvement of several foreign nationals. Further investigations are underway to unearth the complete racket and identify other accomplices.

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