CBI Busts ‘Cyber Slavery’ Trafficking Network Sending Indians to Myanmar, Cambodia Scam Compounds
Moneylife Digital Team 07 May 2026
Central bureau of investigation (CBI) conducted coordinated searches at nine locations across four states and arrested one person from Lucknow for his alleged involvement in a transnational trafficking network that allegedly lured Indian nationals to South-East Asian countries with fake job offers before forcing them into cyber fraud operations run from scam compounds in Myanmar and Cambodia.
 
According to CBI, the network operated by promising lucrative overseas employment opportunities to Indian job-seekers. Investigators found that victims were transported to scam facilities mainly located in Myanmar and Cambodia where they were allegedly compelled to participate in various forms of cyber-enabled financial fraud.
 
The agency described these centres as hubs of 'cyber slavery', allegedly controlled by international cybercrime syndicates.
 
The investigation revealed that many victims had their passports confiscated immediately after reaching the foreign locations, severely restricting their movement and ability to escape.
 
CBI says several victims reported physical intimidation and psychological abuse inside the compounds. In some instances, trafficked individuals were allegedly forced to seek money from family members in India to secure their release from the scam centres.
 
Officials say statements of multiple victims had been recorded during a nationwide enquiry carried out before the raids.
 
Searches were carried out by the agency in Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Kashipur and locations in Gonda and Saharanpur districts of Uttar Pradesh.
 
During the operation, investigators seized electronic devices and digital material suspected to contain incriminating evidence connected to the trafficking network.
 
CBI says it is also carrying out detailed financial investigations, including analysis of cryptocurrency transactions, to trace money trails and identify others linked to the operation.
 
Preliminary findings suggest that agents involved in the racket allegedly received payments from operators of foreign scam compounds in exchange for supplying Indian nationals.
 
The agency confirmed that one accused was arrested in Lucknow for allegedly facilitating trafficking and recruitment activities linked to the overseas cyber fraud compounds.
 
Further investigation is underway to identify the wider network of recruiters, facilitators and overseas handlers allegedly involved in the operation.
 
CBI has cautioned people against falling prey to fraudulent foreign job offers circulated through social media, online advertisements or informal personal contacts.
 
The agency warned that such schemes expose individuals to serious exploitation, illegal confinement and possible legal consequences in foreign jurisdictions.
 
Authorities urged job seekers to verify overseas employment offers through authorised channels before making travel or payment commitments.
 
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