_.jpg?w=801&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max&format=webp&dpr=1.0)
The Central Bureau of Investigation busted a significant human trafficking operation that deceived Indian youths by offering them overseas employment opportunities but instead transported them to the war zone between Russia and Ukraine.
The officials told the media that the agency has found 35 instances in which youngsters were taken to Russia after being lured with false promises of high-paying jobs via social media channels and local contacts and agents.
The agency is trying to find the victims duped by these rackets.
As per PTI, a CBI spokesperson said the trafficked Indian nationals were trained in combat roles and deployed across front bases in the Russia-Ukraine war zone against their wishes, putting their lives in danger.
"The human trafficking network of these agents is spread over several states across the country and they are operating in an organised manner," the spokesperson said.
The federal agency has registered an FIR against some visa consultancy firms and agents. Searches followed in 13 locations across Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Ambala, Chandigarh, Madurai and Chennai.
The investigative agency has filed cases against four companies and their directors in different cities.
The companies are 24x7 RAS Overseas Foundation in Delhi, O S D Bros Travels & Visa Services Pvt Ltd in Mumbai, Adventure Visa Services Pvt Ltd in Chandigarh, and Baba Vlogs Overseas Recruitment Solutions Pvt Ltd in Dubai.
The directors involved are Suyash Mukut, Rakesh Pandey, Manjeet Singh, and Faisal Abdul Mutalib Khan, also known as Baba.
The official reportedly said, "It has been ascertained that some of the victims also suffered grievous injuries in the war zone."
"So far, cash worth over Rs 50 lakh, incriminating documents and electronic records like laptops, mobiles, desktops and CCTV footage have been seized. Searches are going on. Certain suspects have also been detained for questioning at various locations," he added.
(With PTI inputs)
