The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a probe into an international network involved in human trafficking, cheating, and criminal conspiracy, targeting cybercriminals from Southeast Asian countries. According to the FIR, this network traffics Indian nationals to Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, where they are coerced into participating in cybercrimes at Chinese-controlled scam centers.The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), uncovered the China connection while investigating cyber-related complaints. “Approximately 7,000 cyber-related complaints are registered daily on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), with most frauds originating in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. Many of the web applications used in these crimes are written in Mandarin, indicating a possible China connection,” stated Rajesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of I4C.Modus Operandi of TraffickersThe FIR details that the victims are initially lured with attractive job offers in Thailand, Dubai, and Bangkok. Once they arrive in these countries, they are further trafficked to Southeast Asian countries and forced to work as cybercriminals under duress in scam centers controlled by Chinese operators.The FIR was lodged following multiple meetings held by the MHA with the Telecom Ministry, Reserve Bank of India, and CBI. These discussions aimed to identify and rectify vulnerabilities in the banking and telecom sectors that facilitate such scams.Case Study of Saddam SheikhThe FIR includes a case study of Saddam Sheikh, a resident of Palghar, Maharashtra. Saddam received job offers in Thailand through WhatsApp calls from individuals associated with a manpower consultancy firm in South Delhi. He paid Rs 1.4 lakh for visa arrangements and, after completing the formalities, was asked to fly from Kolkata to Bangkok. Upon arrival in Bangkok, he was transferred to Chiang Rai immigration, then to Laos, where he was taken to the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone. There, he encountered both Chinese and Indian agents involved in the scam.The revelations have prompted calls for stringent measures to combat such international trafficking and cybercrime networks. Authorities emphasize the need for enhanced inter-agency coordination and stricter enforcement to prevent exploitation and protect vulnerable individuals from such criminal activities.
