Mumbai: In a major crackdown on human trafficking and cyber fraud, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted extensive raids at 22 locations across six states on Thursday. The operation targeted a large-scale trafficking syndicate involved in luring young Indians to Southeast Asia, particularly Cambodia, under the guise of well-paying jobs. The raids focused on the premises of 17 suspects, including those in Vashi and Ghansoli in Navi Mumbai, as well as several districts across Maharashtra. In addition to Maharashtra, searches were also carried out in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Punjab.

The NIA's investigation focuses on individuals accused of facilitating the trafficking of Indian youth to Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries.

The searches were conducted on suspects including sub-agents, associates, and relatives of Indian agents based in Cambodia, who are allegedly managing the logistics and financial transactions of the trafficking network.

During the raids, NIA officials seized multiple digital devices, including mobile phones, laptops, hard drives, and memory cards. The agency also recovered a total of Rs 34,80,800 (Thirty-Four Lakh Eighty Thousand and Eight Hundred Rupees) in cash from the suspects' premises. Several individuals have been summoned for further questioning as the investigation progresses.

The NIA's investigation revealed the syndicate's international links, extending to countries like Myanmar and Laos. The traffickers are accused of enticing young job seekers with promises of lucrative employment opportunities abroad. However, upon their arrival in Cambodia, the victims were reportedly held captive in fake call centers and coerced into cyber fraud activities. Their passports were confiscated, and they were subjected to physical and psychological torture, including electric shocks, for refusing to participate in fraudulent activities.

Keshav Singh, the owner of M.K. Training Centre, was previously arrested for his involvement in the trafficking network. Statements from the victims have exposed the horrific conditions they endured, with many recounting severe abuse and threats under the control of their captors.

The investigation also revealed that fraudulent job offers for positions like "Digital Sales and Marketing Executives" or "Customer Support Service" were part of the scam. These roles were designed as fronts for illegal operations. Agents operating from Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, and various Indian locations were found to be orchestrating these scams, promising high salaries, visa assistance, and travel arrangements to the victims. Several agents, sub-agents, and associates, residing in India and various states, were working for a foreign-based agent and were involved in a human trafficking case.