NIA Raids West Bengal and Chhattisgarh: Uncovering Cyber Slavery Network in Myanmar

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Investigation into an international human trafficking and cyber fraud operation led to raids in West Bengal and Chhattisgarh by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Investigation Details

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) executed search operations in Durgapur, West Bengal, and Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, as part of an ongoing probe into an international human trafficking and cyber fraud operation. The investigation focuses on a network that allegedly deceived Indian youth with fabricated job opportunities abroad, subsequently coercing them into participating in cybercrime activities within Myanmar. The agency aims to gather digital and documentary evidence tied to the trafficking scheme, cybercrime activities, and the broader transnational network involved.

Chargesheet and Suspects

The raids followed a chargesheet filed by the NIA in February 2026 before a special court in Panchkula, Haryana, targeting three individuals: Ankit Kumar, known as Ankit Bhardwaj; Ishtikhar Ali, referred to as Ali; and a fugitive Chinese national identified as Lisa. These suspects face charges under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 24 of the Emigration Act.

Victim Exploitation Tactics

According to the NIA, the accused, along with collaborators from India and abroad, targeted economically disadvantaged individuals seeking overseas employment. Victims were lured with promises of legitimate jobs in Thailand, subjected to online interviews to simulate a genuine recruitment process, and then transported to Myanmar. Arrested suspects Ankit Kumar and Ishtikhar Ali allegedly facilitated connections with Lisa, who was presented as an authorized foreign recruiter. Investigators suspect Lisa is linked to a Chinese-operated network based in Myanmar and remains at large.

The victims were initially flown to Thailand before being illegally transported across the border into Myanmar’s Myawaddy region, a known hub for organized cyber scam operations. Once in Myanmar, trafficked individuals were reportedly forced to engage in cyber fraud activities, including creating fake social media profiles to target victims in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. These operations involved deceiving individuals into investing in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes and other fake financial ventures. Those who resisted participation faced confinement, threats, and physical and psychological pressure. Many were also compelled to pay substantial sums for release, while others remained under constant surveillance.

Expert Analysis

The NIA’s investigation highlights the complexity of the network, which spans human trafficking, illegal recruitment, cross-border crime, and cyber-enabled financial fraud. The agency suspects the operation involves intermediaries and facilitators across India and multiple Southeast Asian countries. A prominent cybercrime expert and former IPS officer, Prof. Triveni Singh, noted that cyber scam facilities in Southeast Asia have become a modern manifestation of human trafficking. He urged job seekers to independently verify overseas employment offers and rely solely on certified recruitment agencies. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of reporting suspicious activities promptly and enhancing international law enforcement collaboration to dismantle such organized crime networks.

According to the NIA, the accused, along with collaborators from India and abroad, targeted economically disadvantaged individuals seeking overseas employment.