The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recently uncovered a sophisticated human trafficking syndicate that has been duping Indian citizens with false promises of employment opportunities in Russia. This revelation has shed light on the intricate workings of this organized network and its methods of operation.
The investigation comes in the wake of tragic incidents involving the deaths of two Indian nationals from Telangana and Gujarat in Russia while allegedly being compelled to participate in the conflict with Ukraine. Additionally, a viral appeal on social media by a group of Indians beseeched the government to ensure their safe return from Russia, drawing attention to the gravity of the situation.
According to disclosures by the CBI, this network spans multiple states in India and has meticulously devised strategies to exploit vulnerable individuals seeking opportunities abroad.
Detailing their modus operandi, the CBI elucidated that the traffickers enticed their victims with the allure of lucrative prospects overseas, particularly in Russia. They targeted susceptible individuals through various channels, including visa consultancy firms and agents, enticing them with false assurances of high-paying positions in the Russian military, security sectors, or educational institutions.
Once ensnared, victims were coerced into paying exorbitant fees for visa processing, travel arrangements, and other administrative expenses.
Upon arrival in Russia, victims found themselves at the mercy of their traffickers, who confiscated their passports and subjected them to coercive measures. They were then compelled to undergo training for combat roles, including wearing Russian military uniforms and badges, under the false pretense that it would lead to financial stability and success.
Subsequently, victims were deployed to front bases in the Russia-Ukraine War Zone against their will, putting their lives in grave danger.
The CBI, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, has taken action to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime. The agency emphasized that these traffickers operated as an organized network, exploiting Indian nationals through social media platforms like YouTube and local contacts/agents.
Furthermore, the CBI has initiated legal proceedings against private visa consultancy firms and agents involved in sending Indians to Russia under false pretenses.
In a coordinated effort, searches were conducted at multiple locations across Delhi, Trivandrum, Mumbai, Ambala, Chandigarh, Madurai, and Chennai, resulting in the seizure of cash exceeding Rs 50 lakh, along with incriminating documents and electronic records.
Several suspects have been detained for questioning, and the investigation is ongoing to identify additional individuals involved in this illicit operation. The agency has also expressed concerns regarding the potential involvement of a Delhi-based consultancy that purportedly sent over 180 Indians on student visas, with suspicions arising as to whether these individuals were also deployed in conflict zones in Russia.
Key figures implicated in the case include Tanu Kant Sharma, Srividhya, Rakesh Pandey, Manjeet Singh, Faisal Abdul Mutalib Khan, and Mohammad Sufiyan Dawood Ahmad Darugar.
In light of these developments, the CBI has issued a public appeal cautioning individuals against falling victim to false promises of employment, particularly in Russia, and urges vigilance in such matters.
