The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against five individuals, including the absconding mastermind Anand Kumar Singh alias Munna Singh from Bihar, in a case involving human trafficking and cyber slavery linked to Cambodia. The chargesheet was submitted before the NIA Special Court in Patna on Friday under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Details of the Accused
Three of the accused—Abhay Nath Dubey from Uttar Pradesh, Abhiranjan Kumar from Bihar, and Rohit Yadav from Uttar Pradesh—were arrested earlier this year after returning from Cambodia. Another accused is currently out on bail. Anand Kumar Singh remains at large and is believed to be the kingpin of the racket.
Modus Operandi of the Syndicate
According to the NIA, the accused were part of an organised syndicate that lured Indian youth to Cambodia with false promises of lucrative jobs and high salaries. Upon arrival in Cambodia, the victims had their passports confiscated and were forced to work for scam companies involved in cyber fraud. Investigators revealed that the victims faced brutal treatment, including physical and mental torture, electric shocks, confinement, and denial of food and water if they resisted.
Role of the Mastermind
The NIA identified Anand Kumar Singh as the kingpin of the racket. He allegedly operated through a network of agents and travel facilitators across India to recruit young people and coordinate their trafficking to Cambodia. The agency stated that the mastermind charged between USD 2,000 and 3,000 for every trafficked person, who were allegedly “sold” to fake companies operating in Cambodia.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to apprehend the absconding accused and dismantle the syndicate. The case highlights the growing threat of human trafficking and cyber slavery, with victims being exploited for illegal activities abroad.
