CBI Chargesheet Exposes Cyber Slavery Network Targeting Indian Job Seekers
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a detailed chargesheet in a Delhi court, revealing a disturbing case of human trafficking and forced cyber fraud operations. According to the agency, two men from Rajasthan were systematically lured with promises of lucrative employment in Thailand, only to be trafficked to Myanmar and compelled to participate in organized online scams.
How the Trafficking Operation Unfolded
The CBI alleges that accused individual Soyal Akhtar orchestrated the entire scheme. Akhtar reportedly conducted job interviews through the Telegram messaging platform, offering positions in Thailand with monthly salaries ranging between Rs 80,000 to Rs 1 lakh. He assured victims that all travel expenses would be reimbursed upon joining work, making the offer appear legitimate and attractive.
On October 7, the two victims—identified as Akram Ali Bhati and another individual named Soyal—traveled to Bangkok as arranged. However, instead of starting legitimate employment, they were allegedly transported to neighboring Myanmar against their will.
Life Inside the Scam Compounds
Once in Myanmar, the victims faced immediate coercion. According to the chargesheet:
- Their mobile phones were confiscated
- All communication channels were severed
- They were confined to secured facilities known as "scam compounds"
- They were subjected to physical and mental torture
- Constant surveillance prevented any escape attempts
The men were allegedly forced to create fake social media profiles and engage in various cyber fraud activities targeting foreign nationals, including:
- Digital arrest scams
- Romance fraud schemes
- Investment fraud operations
Legal Proceedings and Court Action
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Jyoti Maheshwari of the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi took cognizance of the CBI's chargesheet on Tuesday. In her order dated February 3, the judge noted that "the clear involvement of accused Soyal Akhtar has surfaced in the offence of trafficking of victims."
The court has summoned Akhtar to appear on February 17. Currently in judicial custody, Akhtar had his bail application rejected by the court on January 23. The CBI, represented by Public Prosecutors Anoop Kumar and Saloni, informed the court that Akhtar had not obtained the mandatory Registration Certificate from the Protector General of Emigrants as required under Section 10 of the Emigration Act.
Broader Pattern of Cyber Slavery
This case represents just one instance of a much larger problem. According to CBI investigations, these two Rajasthan men were among numerous Indian nationals confined to similar scam compounds in Myanmar. Between January 2022 and May 2024, over 70,000 Indian job seekers traveled to countries including Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, many falling victim to similar trafficking schemes.
The Indian government has been actively working to repatriate affected citizens, having already brought back over 1,500 Indians from these regions. Repatriation efforts for approximately 20,000 more Indians are reportedly still underway.
Police in Gujarat and Haryana have registered separate cases and made arrests related to similar rackets trafficking job seekers into cyber slavery operations, indicating this is a coordinated criminal network operating across multiple states.
The victims in this particular case were eventually brought back to India in late October last year after enduring weeks of unlawful confinement and forced participation in cyber criminal activities.
