Cybercrime – NIA Charges Three in Myanmar Trafficking Racket
Cybercrime – The National Investigation Agency has filed a detailed chargesheet against three individuals accused of running a cross-border human trafficking and cyber fraud operation that allegedly targeted citizens in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Charges Filed in Panchkula Court
According to officials, the chargesheet was submitted on Wednesday before a special NIA court in Panchkula, Haryana. The agency said its investigation uncovered what it described as a structured and coordinated network of recruiters and intermediaries operating across multiple countries.
The accused have been identified as Ankit Kumar, also known as Ankit Bharadwaj; Ishtikhar Ali, also known as Ali; and a Chinese national named Lisa, who remains absconding. The trio has been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita as well as Section 24 of the Emigration Act, which addresses illegal recruitment and overseas employment violations.
Alleged Trafficking to Myanmar
Investigators allege that the accused were part of a larger syndicate involved in transporting vulnerable Indian youth to the Myawaddy region of Myanmar. The NIA took over the case from the Haryana Police and expanded the probe to examine the broader international links of the network.
Officials said the operation included unauthorized recruitment for overseas jobs and the illegal movement of individuals through transit countries in Southeast Asia. Victims were reportedly moved from India to Myanmar via Thailand, without following proper immigration procedures.
The agency stated that Ankit Kumar and Ishtikhar Ali, who are currently in custody, played a central role in convincing young job seekers to travel abroad. They allegedly promised legitimate employment opportunities in Thailand and arranged online interviews to reinforce the illusion of authenticity.
Recruitment Through Deception
During the recruitment process, the victims were introduced to Lisa, who was presented as a genuine employer or recruiter based in Thailand. Investigators claim that this step was designed to create trust and make the job offers appear credible.
Believing they had secured stable employment overseas, several young Indians reportedly agreed to travel. However, upon arrival in Myanmar, the reality was markedly different from what had been promised.
Forced Involvement in Online Scams
Once in Myanmar, the trafficked individuals were allegedly compelled to work for cyber fraud operations. According to the NIA, the victims were instructed to create fake social media identities and initiate conversations with individuals in Western countries.
Their primary task, investigators said, was to persuade people in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada to invest money through fraudulent cryptocurrency applications. The agency described the operation as part of a wider cybercrime network that exploited digital platforms to carry out financial scams.
Officials further stated that victims who resisted participation were subjected to confinement and pressure to continue working. In some cases, they were reportedly asked to pay significant sums of money in exchange for their release.
Ongoing Investigation and Wider Links
The NIA indicated that the probe is still ongoing and that it is examining the involvement of additional known and unknown associates linked to the network. Authorities are also working to trace financial transactions and communication records that could reveal the full scale of the alleged racket.
The agency emphasized that the case highlights the risks posed by fraudulent overseas job offers and the growing intersection of human trafficking and cyber-enabled financial crime. It urged job seekers to verify recruitment agencies and overseas employment opportunities through authorized channels.
The filing of the chargesheet marks a significant step in the investigation, though legal proceedings against the accused are expected to continue in the coming months as the court examines the evidence presented.