Jharkhand CID Arrests Agent in International Cyber Slavery Trafficking Case
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Jharkhand has made a significant breakthrough in an international slavery case, arresting an accused involved in trafficking job seekers from the state to a cyber scam compound in Bangkok. The arrest, carried out on Tuesday evening, targets a network forcing victims into organized online fraud activities under deplorable conditions.
Arrest and Investigation Details
On Wednesday, the CID confirmed that the accused, identified as Sartaj Alam, was apprehended under the Azadnagar police station limits in Jamshedpur with assistance from local law enforcement. This arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into a broader trafficking ring, with authorities working to identify and capture other agents connected to the case.
So far, the CID has successfully rescued 15 individuals from Jharkhand who were ensnared in this scheme. Among these victims, Sartaj Alam is specifically linked to sending three of the rescued job seekers abroad. The investigation continues to unravel the full extent of the network, which involves associates based outside India.
Modus Operandi of the Trafficking Ring
During the investigation, the CID uncovered that the arrested accused, in conspiracy with overseas associates, recruited youths by promising them attractive job opportunities abroad. These fraudulent offers typically included data entry positions in countries such as Bangkok, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.
To facilitate the trafficking, job seekers were coerced into depositing money for visas and travel expenses, only to find themselves trapped in cyber fraud operations upon arrival. The CID emphasized that the trafficked individuals were subjected to severe exploitation, including:
- Forced labor under harsh conditions for extended hours
- Imposition of severe penalties for non-compliance
- Confiscation of passports to prevent escape
- Restriction from leaving the scam centers, effectively holding them captive
This case highlights the growing threat of international cyber slavery, where vulnerable job seekers are lured with false promises and then compelled into illegal activities. The CID's efforts underscore the importance of vigilance and robust law enforcement in combating such transnational crimes.
