THE NEWS FREEDOM
NEW DELHI, MARCH 7
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered a sprawling human trafficking ring that spans the nation, preying on unsuspecting youths with the allure of lucrative overseas employment opportunities. Operating as a sophisticated network, these traffickers utilized social media platforms like YouTube, as well as local contacts and agents, to entice Indian nationals with promises of high-paying jobs in Russia. However, once ensnared, these individuals were coerced into combat roles and deployed to the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine War Zone against their will, endangering their lives.
The CBI registered a case of human trafficking against private visa consultancy firms, agents, and others complicit in trafficking Indian nationals to Russia under false pretenses on March 6. This illicit network spans multiple states across the country.
According to the CBI, Concurrently the CBI is conducting raids at approximately 13 locations in Delhi, Trivandrum, Mumbai, Ambala, Chandigarh, Madurai, and Chennai. The CBI has seized during these operations are substantial sums of cash exceeding Rs 50 lakhs, along with incriminating documents and electronic devices such as laptops, mobile phones, desktops, and CCTV footage.
“Several suspects have been apprehended for interrogation, with the investigation uncovering approximately 35 instances of victims being sent abroad. Efforts are underway to identify additional victims. The public is urged to exercise vigilance and avoid falling victim to deceptive promises of employment made by unscrupulous recruitment agencies and agents”, the CBI said.