NIA Conducts 22 Raids Across Six States To Dismantle Human Trafficking Network

India has faced a persistent challenge with human trafficking, with thousands of individuals especially from economically vulnerable communities victimised every year.

National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at 22 locations across six states on Thursday.

Source : Twitter

In connection with a human trafficking case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at 22 locations across six states on Thursday. The searches started early in the morning,  separate NIA teams were in close coordination with the state police. This operation is to dismantle an organised trafficking network, it was carried out at the premises of suspects based on a specific input. 

The case, registered under RC-10/2024/NIA/DLI, involves charges under sections 418, 419, 420, 370, 374, and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The case reportedly involves the trafficking of men, women, and children across state borders and possibly internationally.

According to an IANS report, the case likely has links to various countries including Myanmar and Laos 

The syndicate had been accused of luring young people from Bihar's Gopalganj district with false promises of high-paying jobs abroad. Once abroad, the victims were reportedly held captive in fake call centres and coerced into participating in cyber fraud activities.

The owner of M.K. Training Centre, Keshav Singh, reportedly was previously arrested for his involvement in the trafficking network. However, the FIR highlights that the syndicate trafficked Indian youth abroad under the guise of employment opportunities, only to coerce them into working for cybercrime operations, IANS reported. Fraudulent job offers are often advertised for roles like "Digital Sales and Marketing Executives" or "Customer Support Service." These positions are fronts for scam operations. Agents operating from cities like Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, and various Indian locations facilitate these scams, promising high salaries, visa assistance, and travel arrangements.

As per an ANI report, the raids, conducted across various states, targeted individuals and organisations that are suspected of being involved in trafficking vulnerable individuals. These coordinated operations are part of an ongoing investigation into criminal networks, engaged in trafficking for illegal purposes, including forced labour and exploitation. The NIA took over the case following suspicions of a larger organised network with links to cross-border syndicates.

As per the report, the authorities ramped up efforts to combat human trafficking in recent years, which is due to the disruption of traffickers' supply chains and the rescue of victims. The NIA's raid is a significant step toward dismantling such operations.

India has faced a persistent challenge with human trafficking, with thousands of individuals especially from economically vulnerable communities victimised every year. Though there are stringent laws in place and international commitments, trafficking networks have continued to thrive, and have often taken advantage of enforcement gaps across regions.