Cybercrime – NIA Files Chargesheet in Cambodia Human Trafficking Network Case
Cybercrime – The National Investigation Agency has filed a chargesheet against five individuals accused of operating a trafficking network that allegedly sent Indian youths to Cambodia and forced them into cyber fraud activities under inhuman conditions.
Alleged Syndicate Linked to Overseas Cyber Scam Operations
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has submitted a chargesheet against five accused persons in connection with a major human trafficking and cyber slavery case linked to Cambodia. Officials confirmed on Saturday that the chargesheet was presented before a special NIA court in Patna a day earlier.
Among those named is Anand Kumar Singh, also known as Munna Singh, who investigators believe played the central role in running the trafficking operation. Authorities said he is currently absconding. Four other accused have also been named in the case as the investigation into the wider network continues.
Recruitment Conducted Through Agents Across India
According to the NIA, the accused allegedly targeted young Indians by promising attractive overseas jobs and high salaries. Investigators said the recruitment process was carried out with the help of sub-agents and travel coordinators operating in different parts of the country.
The agency stated that Anand Kumar Singh maintained links with associates based in Cambodia, who helped facilitate the movement of victims to the Southeast Asian nation. Officials alleged that the trafficked individuals were later handed over to fake companies involved in online scam operations.
Investigators further claimed that the accused charged between USD 2,000 and USD 3,000 for every individual sent abroad through the illegal arrangement.
Victims Allegedly Subjected to Abuse and Confinement
The NIA said the victims were trapped soon after reaching Cambodia. Their passports were reportedly confiscated, leaving them unable to return home or seek help independently.
According to the investigation, the youths were allegedly forced to work for scam centres engaged in cyber fraud activities. Officials claimed the victims faced severe physical and psychological abuse if they resisted instructions or attempted to escape.
The agency’s findings mention incidents involving physical assault, forced confinement, denial of food and water, and even electric shocks. Investigators believe such methods were used to intimidate the victims and ensure compliance within the illegal operations.
Arrests Made After Accused Returned From Cambodia
Three of the accused named in the chargesheet were arrested earlier this year after arriving in New Delhi from Cambodia. Officials identified them as Abhay Nath Dubey and Rohit Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, along with Abhiranjan Kumar from Bihar.
The fifth accused, Prahlad Kumar Singh, is currently out on bail, according to officials associated with the case.
The NIA has not ruled out the involvement of additional individuals and organisations connected to the trafficking network. Investigators are continuing efforts to identify more members of the syndicate and uncover the complete structure of the operation.
Investigation Focused on International Human Trafficking Links
The case has drawn attention to the growing concern over overseas job frauds targeting unemployed or financially vulnerable youths. Agencies have repeatedly warned job seekers to verify foreign employment offers before accepting recruitment proposals through unofficial channels.
Officials said the ongoing investigation is examining financial transactions, communication records, and international links connected to the trafficking racket. Authorities are also working to determine whether similar networks may be operating in other regions.
The NIA stated that further legal action will depend on evidence collected during the next phase of the investigation