CBI nabs key suspect over ‘cyber slavery’ and trafficking linked to Southeast Asian nations

Chandigarh, Aug 19 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday apprehended a key suspect over alleged connection with a network of agents, associated with the trafficking of Indian nationals to some countries in Southeast Asia, under the guise of lucrative overseas employment opportunities.

The arrest followed investigation into a criminal network of agents and facilitators, who recruited Indian citizens by promising attractive jobs in countries across Southeast Asia.

Victims were subsequently transported to scam compounds, primarily located in Myanmar and Cambodia, where they were subjected to conditions described as “cyber slavery”.

According to the investigative agency, the accused sent at least four individuals from Haryana’s Hisar area in 2025 to scam compounds and statements of those victims reveal a disturbing pattern of deception and exploitation.

“Some of them had to pay a significant amount to return home from these scam compounds or had to lure in a substitute to be able to leave the scam compound and return,” it claimed.

Incriminating evidence has been recovered from the seized mobile device, indicating his nexus with recruiters in scam compounds in Myanmar and Cambodia.

Numerous cryptocurrency-related transactions are also under investigation, as being part of commissions paid by scam compound operators to the agent.

The accused, during questioning, revealed the use of social media networks like Instagram to publish ads to lure victims and also the use of messaging apps like Telegram for communication.

The CBI had registered the case against network of agents involved in trafficking Indian nationals to scam compounds for ‘cyber slavery’ in December 2025.

Earlier, in May and June 2026, the CBI conducted coordinated searches at eight locations across four states as part of the same investigation and arrested three accused involved in the trafficking network.

–IANS

mr/khz