New Delhi, Jul 7 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted extensive searches at six locations in three northern states on Tuesday as part of its ongoing probe into a major Cambodia-linked human trafficking and cyber slavery racket, the central probe agency officials said.

The operation targeted premises connected to associates and supporters of the accused in the case.

The raids were carried out in four districts of Bihar — Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, and East Champaran — besides one location each in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

During the searches, NIA teams seized smartphones, laptops, various digital devices, and several incriminating documents and items, said a press note issued here on Tuesday.

The investigation focuses on the activities of an organised syndicate allegedly masterminded by absconding accused Anand Kumar Singh alias Munna Singh.

The NIA had charge sheeted Anand Kumar along with four of his associates — Prahlad Kumar Singh, Abhay Nath Dubey, Abhiranjan Kumar, and Rohit Yadav — in May 2026.

Earlier, in February 2026, three of his aides — Abhay, Abhiranjan, and Rohit — were arrested from Delhi upon their return from Cambodia, the press note added.

The NIA’s probe has revealed that the syndicate lured Indian youth to Cambodia with false promises of high-paying legitimate jobs.

Upon arrival, the victims’ passports were confiscated and they were handed over to fraudulent scam companies operating from there.

Investigations have shown that Anand Kumar used a network of sub-agents and travel agents across India to recruit vulnerable young people before trafficking them abroad with the help of his associates.

“The victims who have been rescued have narrated harrowing experiences. They were allegedly forced to work in scam centres and subjected to severe mental and physical torture, including electric shocks, confinement, and denial of food and water when they resisted or failed to meet targets,” the press note said.

The NIA continues its efforts to track down the remaining absconders and other members of the syndicate.

The agency believes the racket has victimised numerous Indian youths who were trapped in modern-day slavery under the guise of lucrative employment opportunities in Southeast Asia.

The NIA’s continued investigation aims to dismantle the entire network and bring all perpetrators to justice.

–IANS

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