The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has cracked down on a significant human trafficking network operating nationwide, targeting Indian nationals with promises of lucrative jobs abroad but allegedly dispatching them to the Russia-Ukraine war zone.
A case has been filed by the CBI against agents and visa consultancy firms spanning several states across the nation. Simultaneous searches are being conducted at approximately 13 locations in Delhi, Trivandrum, Mumbai, Ambala, Chandigarh, Madurai, and Chennai.
The entities implicated in the purported human trafficking network include 24×7 RAS Overseas Foundation, located at KG Marg, New Delhi, and its Director Suyash Mukut; OSD Bros Travels & Visa Services Pvt Ltd, based in Mumbai, with its Director Rakesh Pandey; Adventure Visa Services Pvt Ltd in Chandigarh, Punjab, under the direction of Manjeet Singh; and Baba Vlogs Overseas Recruitment Solutions Pvt Ltd, situated in Dubai, with its Director Faisal Abdul Mutalib Khan, also known as Baba.
The CBI has disclosed that these traffickers have functioned as an organized network, enticing Indian nationals via social media platforms like YouTube and through local contacts/agents, promising highly remunerative jobs in Russia.
Subsequently, the trafficked Indian nationals were purportedly trained for combat roles and deployed at frontline bases in the Russia-Ukraine War Zone against their will, thereby endangering their lives gravely. It has been confirmed that some victims sustained severe injuries in the war zone.
In connection with this, a case of human trafficking was registered on March 6 against private visa consultancy firms, agents, and others found involved in trafficking Indian nationals to Russia under the guise of better employment and high-paying jobs.
Thus far, cash exceeding Rs 50 lakhs, along with incriminating documents and electronic records such as laptops, mobiles, desktops, CCTV footage, etc., have been seized. Searches are ongoing.
Several suspects have been detained for questioning at various locations. Approximately 35 instances of victims being sent abroad have been established thus far, with efforts underway to identify more trafficking victims. The investigation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, a plea has been issued to the general public to refrain from falling prey to false promises of jobs by dubious recruitment agencies and agents.